Attending required home study evaluations. Gathering background checks and supporting documents. Completing parenting education courses when needed.

Drafting and filing the petition for adoption in the appropriate circuit court. Verifying eligibility requirements for adoptive parents and the child. Notifying birth parents or guardians as required by law.

Coordinating with social workers or agency representatives for placement. Ensuring supervised visits and monitoring during the transition period. Addressing any concerns raised by the court or adoption agency.

Preparing all necessary paperwork for the final adoption hearing. Representing you at the court hearing to obtain a decree of adoption. Assisting with post-adoption steps, such as updating birth certificates.

Partnering with a licensed adoption agency in Maryland, our attorneys guide you through agency protocols, home studies, and matching processes. We advocate for you during negotiations and prepare all legal filings required for a successful adoption.

In independent or private adoptions, adoptive parents work directly with birth parents. Our team drafts and reviews all legal agreements, ensures proper termination of parental rights, and completes court filings to finalize the adoption.

When a stepparent or relative seeks to adopt a child, streamlining the process is often possible. We verify that all legal conditions are met, prepare petitions, and represent you at hearings to make the transition smooth for your family.

Adopting a child from another country involves both federal and state laws. Our attorneys coordinate with international agencies, handle U.S. immigration paperwork, and ensure compliance with Maryland’s adoption requirements.

Review your goals, family situation, and eligibility. Explain Maryland adoption laws, timelines, and likely expenses. Offer a roadmap outlining required steps.

Provide referrals to licensed home study providers. Assist with gathering background checks, medical exams, and character references. Review home study reports to address any concerns before court filing.

Draft all necessary legal documents, including petitions, consents, and relinquishment forms. Ensure proper service of notices to interested parties. Review existing custody or guardianship orders that may affect the adoption.

Communicate with adoption agencies on your behalf. Facilitate independent adoption negotiations, focusing on fair and transparent agreements. Protect your rights while respecting birth parents’ preferences.

File adoption petitions with the circuit court in your county. Compile supporting evidence, such as home study reports and consent forms. Represent you at the final adoption hearing, presenting arguments and answering judge’s questions.

Obtain a new birth certificate reflecting the adoptive parents’ names. Assist with changing legal guardianship or custody records when needed. Provide guidance on updating wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations for your child.

Call (410) 203-2223 or visit our Contact page to arrange a meeting. We discuss your family’s goals, review required documents, and explain the adoption timeline.

We guide you in selecting a home study provider and collect all necessary background information. Our attorneys prepare and file adoption petitions once the home study is approved.

When a match is made, we work with your agency or birth parents to coordinate placement. We handle ongoing court reports and ensure the child’s well-being throughout the supervised period.

After meeting Maryland’s minimum placement requirements, we file for a final hearing. Our attorneys prepare your documentation and represent you at the hearing to secure the adoption decree.

Once the court issues the adoption decree, we assist with updating vital records and offer guidance on any post-adoption legal needs, such as name changes or citizenship paperwork for international cases.

Timing depends on the type of adoption. Agency adoptions often take 12–18 months, while independent or stepparent adoptions can be completed in 6–12 months. International adoptions vary widely based on the child’s country of origin.

Expenses may include home study fees, court filing fees, agency application fees, birth parent counseling, travel (for international cases), and legal fees. During your initial consultation, we provide a detailed estimate based on your chosen adoption path.

Yes. Maryland allows single adults to adopt, provided you meet all home study requirements and demonstrate the ability to provide a stable, loving environment.

While not strictly required, working with an adoption attorney is highly recommended to prevent legal pitfalls, ensure proper filings, and achieve a smoother finalization. Our team manages every legal detail so you can focus on building your family.