Chicago Same-Sex Adoption Attorney

Cook County LGBTQ+ Adoption Lawyer Serving Chicago

Every child deserves to be in a loving home, and every type of home deserves a chance to raise a child. As a 100% LGBTQ-owned law firm, we are committed to helping families of all kinds grow through the adoption process. While adoption can be complex for any couple, you can trust the attorneys at NextLevel Law, P.C. by Daniel R. Hernandez, Esq to navigate you through the process and help you overcome any challenges. We will help you understand your options and ensure that you are well-represented.

Chicago Adoption Attorney for Same-Sex Couples

In the state of Illinois, all legal barriers to same-sex couples adopting children were removed with the passing of marriage equality and subsequent updates to adoption laws. No matter what type of adoption you pursue as a same-sex couple, you enjoy the same treatment under the law. However, there can still be complications that arise in some circumstances, including with adoptions that cross state lines and international adoptions. Our attorneys stand ready to help preserve your rights and provide assistance on your adoption application and throughout the process.

When any couple completes the adoption process, they become the new legal parents to the child and are responsible for providing for the child until they reach adulthood. The parental rights of the child's biological parents are terminated once the adoption is finalized. There are many different forms that adoption can take. Common types of adoption pursued by same-sex couples include:

Traditional adoption – This common option involves the joint adoption of a child by a couple through a public or private adoption agency. These adoptions can be open, where the identity of the adoptive and biological parents are known to each other, or closed, where the parents do not meet or exchange information. Traditional adoptions can be either domestic or international in nature.

Co-parent adoption – When one or both members of the same-sex couple already have biological or adoptive children from a previous marriage or relationship, the non-birth partner can become a co-parent to the child. Through a co-parent adoption, the non-birth parent will have all the parental rights and responsibilities that the biological parent already possesses. This includes parental rights for the child's medical care, education, religious upbringing, and other issues.

Private adoption – In a private adoption, the adoptive and biological parents do not use an outside agency to reach an adoption agreement. The adoption must still receive legal approval and is more likely to result in an open adoption with contact maintained between the couples and the child.

Same-sex couples can also pursue adoptions of foster children once their fostering period is over and also in cases of relative adoption where the parents of a related child have died or can no longer provide parental care for the child.

Contact a Lake County Same-Sex Adoption Lawyer

Trust the LGBTQ-friendly adoption attorneys at NextLevel Law, P.C. by Daniel R. Hernandez, Esq if you consider growing your family through the adoption process. Our 100% LGBTQ-owned law firm is dedicated to equal representation for families from all communities and will help you on your journey to bring a child into your home. To provide accessible, affordable representation, we always offer flat fees for our legal services. You will never be charged by the hour and can always expect a quick response to your queries. We proudly serve clients throughout northeastern Illinois, including Chicago, Cook County, Joliet, Will County, Lake County, and DuPage County. If you are ready to begin the adoption process or need assistance on a case that is already underway, call our office today at 312-442-2225. We always offer free consultations and speak both English and Spanish.