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Adopting a child is a life-changing decision that brings immense joy, love, and fulfillment. However, the process can be intricate and often overwhelming, especially with the various legal procedures involved. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about adopting a child in Maryland in 2024, focusing on legal steps, costs, types of adoptions, and much more.

Adoption in Maryland

Adoption is a legal process where an individual or couple assumes permanent parental responsibility for a child. In Maryland, adoption can be achieved through different routes such as foster care adoption, domestic infant adoption, international adoption, and adult adoption. Each pathway has its own set of requirements and legal protocols.

Types of Adoption in Maryland

There are several types of adoption available to prospective parents in Maryland, each with its own process and considerations.

Domestic Adoption

Domestic adoption refers to adopting a child within the United States. This type of adoption can happen through public agencies, private agencies, or independent adoption. Domestic adoption is often chosen by families looking to adopt infants or young children.

Adopt a baby: Many couples seek to adopt newborns or infants in Maryland. The process typically involves working with domestic adoption agencies or the foster care system.
Open adoption: This is where birth parents and adoptive parents have some level of communication. Open adoption allows for ongoing contact between the child and the biological parents.
Closed adoption: In this case, there is no contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family after the adoption is finalized. This process is becoming less common in Maryland as many families opt for open or semi-open adoptions.

Foster Care Adoption

Foster care adoption is when a child who has been placed in foster care becomes eligible for adoption, usually after being unable to reunite with their biological family.

Foster to adopt: This program allows prospective parents to foster a child with the intent of adopting them if reunification with the birth family is not possible.
Foster family adoption: Many foster families in Maryland eventually adopt the children they have been fostering. The process often involves working with the state’s foster care system and meeting legal requirements.

International Adoption

International adoption involves adopting a child from a foreign country. This process is often more complicated than domestic adoption due to additional legal procedures, both in the U.S. and the child’s home country.

Adopting an American child overseas: Some families living abroad may choose to adopt an American child through international channels.
International adoption attorney: Hiring an international adoption lawyer is essential to navigate the complexities of international adoption, such as ensuring compliance with international laws and U.S. immigration requirements.

Step-Parent Adoption

Step-parent adoption occurs when a biological parent’s spouse adopts their stepchild, legally assuming parental rights.

Step-parent adoption without bio father consent: In cases where the biological father is absent or has relinquished parental rights, the step-parent may be able to adopt the child without the father’s consent.
Stepchild adoption: Adopting a stepchild requires filing legal paperwork and undergoing a home study to ensure the child’s well-being.

Adult Adoption in Maryland

One of the lesser-known aspects of adoption is adult adoption, where one adult adopts another adult. This is often done for inheritance or emotional reasons.

Can You Adopt an Adult?

Yes, adult adoption is legal in Maryland. Adults may choose to adopt another adult to solidify family ties or for inheritance purposes.

Can you adopt someone over 18?: Yes, you can legally adopt someone over the age of 18 in Maryland. The process is simpler than adopting a child because it doesn’t involve parental consent or custody changes.
Adults adopting adults: This form of adoption is common when an adult wants to provide inheritance rights to another adult or cement a familial bond.

Legal Aspects of Adoption in Maryland

Navigating the legal side of adoption can be tricky. It is crucial to understand the steps involved and the legal documentation required for a successful adoption.

Adoption Lawyer

Hiring an adoption lawyer is highly recommended, especially when dealing with the complexities of adoption law. Adoption lawyers ensure that all paperwork is in order and that you comply with Maryland’s adoption laws.

Adoption lawyer fees: Legal fees for adoption lawyers vary depending on the type of adoption. On average, legal fees can range from $1,500 to $4,000.
Step-parent adoption forms: Step-parent adoptions require filing specific legal forms with the court. An adoption attorney can help you obtain and fill out these forms correctly.

Home Study Requirements

Before adopting a child in Maryland, you must undergo a home study. This is a legal requirement that assesses whether your home is a suitable environment for a child.

What is a home study for adoption?: A home study involves interviews, background checks, and home visits by a social worker. It is used to ensure that the prospective parents are fit to adopt.
Adoption fees: There are various fees involved in the adoption process, including fees for home studies, agency costs, and legal fees. On average, domestic adoption in Maryland can cost between $20,000 and $40,000.

Adoption Paperwork and Forms

Adoption requires extensive paperwork, whether you are adopting a child or an adult. This includes filing petitions with the court, obtaining consent forms, and completing home studies.

Adult adoption forms: To adopt an adult, you must file a petition with the court and submit the necessary forms. The process is relatively straightforward compared to child adoption.
Stepparent adoption forms: These forms must be filled out and submitted to the court, often with the help of an adoption lawyer.

The Adoption Process in Maryland

Each type of adoption has its own unique process, but there are several common steps that all prospective adoptive parents must follow.

The Steps to Adopt a Child

Choose the type of adoption: Decide whether you want to pursue domestic, foster care, or international adoption.
Select an adoption agency: Work with a licensed adoption agency in Maryland or the United States.
Complete a home study: You must undergo a home study to assess your suitability as adoptive parents.
Match with a child: If you’re adopting a baby, you’ll be matched with birth parents or a child available for adoption. If you’re adopting from foster care, a child will be placed with you for foster care first.
File the necessary paperwork: Complete all the legal paperwork and file it with the Maryland court system.
Finalization hearing: Once everything is approved, attend a finalization hearing where the adoption will be legally recognized.

Adoption Agencies in Maryland

There are numerous adoption agencies in Maryland, ranging from public foster care agencies to private domestic and international agencies. Some of the best adoption agencies in Maryland include:

Adoptions United States: A highly reputable agency that facilitates domestic adoptions across the country.
Foster care adoption agencies: Maryland’s foster care system allows families to adopt children currently in foster care who are unable to return to their biological families.

Adoption FAQs in Maryland

Can You Adopt a Child Without a Lawyer?

While it is possible to adopt a child without a lawyer, it is not recommended. Adoption involves complex legal paperwork, and mistakes can delay or jeopardize the process. Hiring an adoption lawyer ensures that everything is handled correctly.

Can You Adopt a Baby in Maryland?

Yes, you can adopt a newborn or infant through domestic adoption in Maryland. Adoption agencies and private attorneys can facilitate the process of adopting a newborn, either through direct placement by birth parents or through the foster care system.

Can Adults Be Adopted in Maryland?

Yes, adults can be adopted in Maryland. The process is simpler than adopting a child because it does not require a home study or parental consent. Adult adoption is often used to provide inheritance rights or formalize family relationships.

Conclusion: Adopting a Child in Maryland

Adopting a child is a rewarding journey that requires careful planning and understanding of Maryland’s adoption laws. Whether you are looking to adopt a baby, adopt a child from foster care, or even adopt an adult, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the legal and emotional process of creating your forever family.

Whether you’re interested in newborn adoption, adopting an adult, or considering foster to adopt, Maryland offers a wide range of options for building a family through adoption.

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