Okmulgee Adoption Lawyer

Okmulgee Adoption Attorney

Adopting a child is a life-changing event that should be celebrated. However, growing your family through means of adoption can be complicated, lengthy, and expensive, which is why it’s essential to consult with a reputable Okmulgee adoption lawyer prior to embarking on that journey. There are several different paths to adoption that can result in a favorable outcome for both the child and prospective parents involved.

At Eagan Law Office, PLLC, our intimate knowledge of family law and the various pathways to adoption allows us to support you during your journey to parenthood. Our team is dedicated to advocating aggressively on behalf of both the children and parents involved to reach the most positive resolution possible and ensure that you can navigate the adoption process with confidence.

What Are the Legal Requirements to Adopt a Child in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, there are multiple legal requirements that must be met in order to qualify as an adoptive parent. Here is a list of the standard legal requirements you need to meet to qualify for adoption in Oklahoma:

• Age: Parents must be a legal adult of at least 21 years of age to qualify for adoption.
• Health: Parents must be in good physical and mental health. This means that they must not have any severe physical health conditions or disabilities. They must also demonstrate that they have the mental and emotional capacity to take care of their current home and the addition of another child.
• Marital Status: Marital status does not legally impact your eligibility to adopt a child in Oklahoma. You can be married, divorced, or single to qualify for adoption.
• Finances: Prospective parents must prove that they have sufficient income available to meet the financial needs of their current family and an additional child.
• Living Arrangement: The family living arrangement must provide sufficient space, including a bed, for each child in the home. This includes the prospective adopted child.
• Home Study: Prospective parents must be able to demonstrate an accepting, loving, and nurturing environment in their home prior to qualifying for adoption.
• Orientation: All prospective parents are required to complete the home study or assessment process while also attending the state-mandated orientation session.

If you are considering adopting a child, it is paramount that you consult with a reputable Oklahoma family lawyer with direct experience handling adoption cases. They will be able to guide you through every step of the qualification process until the adoption is finalized.

How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Child in Oklahoma?

Completing the various hurdles required to legally qualify for adoption is just the beginning of the overall adoption process. In addition to the study and 27-hour orientation, prospective parents must also provide personal references and complete background checks before even being considered. Even then, the process can vary significantly depending on the child’s circumstances, if you have to wait for a suitable match and many other factors.

The timeline of the adoption process can vary greatly. The lengthy post-placement supervision period must be completed prior to the adoption being legally finalized. However, working with an experienced adoption lawyer can substantially speed up the process and ensure that all of the necessary steps are taken to achieve a successful adoption.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Cost of Adoption in Oklahoma?

A: The total cost of adoption in Oklahoma can vary greatly based on the various ways to adopt a child. By far, the least expensive option for parents is adopting from foster care.

For private adoption, most people can expect a total cost of between $30,000-$60,000, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway. Independent adoptions are slightly lower in cost, typically ranging between $25,000-$45,000. Similarly, intercountry adoptions generally range between $20,000-$50,000.

Q: Can a Child Be Adopted Without the Father’s Consent in Oklahoma?

A: Yes, under certain circumstances, a child can be adopted in Oklahoma without the father’s consent. These circumstances include:

• The father failing to contribute financially to support the child for 12 out of the last 14 months
• The father abandoning the child for 12 of the last 14 months prior to the adoption petition being filed
• The putative father not establishing a relationship with the child or not proving that they are the child’s father at the court hearing

Q: Can a Family Member Adopt a Child in Oklahoma?

A: Yes, another family member is able to adopt a child in the state of Oklahoma. Whether they’re related to the child biologically or through marriage, this is generally referred to as Relative Adoption. Relative adoptions can be performed by a step-parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent, among other family members.

Q: Can You Reverse an Adoption in Oklahoma?

A: In Oklahoma, adoptions can only be reversed under rare circumstances, which must involve court proceedings that prove the reversal is in the best interest of the child. For cases in which the child is adopted at birth, there is a determined amount of time for the parents to decide on the adoption. If they happen to change their mind during that time period, the case will then be taken to the family court judge to decide who will be awarded custody of the child.

Contact a Trusted Okmulgee Family Lawyer

Whether you are already a parent looking to grow your family or a prospective first-time parent, there is a path to adoption that may work for you. We understand just how daunting it can be to face the legal adoption process all on your own. This is why consulting with a trusted Okmulgee family lawyer can help not only put your mind at ease but also ensure that you and your adoptive child are taken care of every step of the way.

At Eagan Law Office, PLLC, our team handles each adoption case with compassion and empathy in order to advocate for the best interests of the child while also fighting to support you in your journey to become an adoptive parent.

We are also licensed to practice in three Tribal Nations’ Court systems and have extensive experience in both the state and tribal courts. We have a deep understanding of and experience with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), which allows us to keep as many children with their families as possible.

Give us a call today to schedule your initial consultation with our team. We can help you take the first steps in your new parental journey with confidence.