Top Berkeley, IL Adoption Lawyers Near You
Adoption Lawyers | Serving Chicagoland Area, IL
Since 1991, we have helped our clients to ensure that their children have supportive & caring environments to live in. If you have any questions about adoption, we're here to help.
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25 E. Washington St., Suite 1217, Chicago, IL 60602
1N141 County Farm Rd, Suite 230, Winfield, IL 60190
17 E. Monroe, #116, Chicago, IL 60603
4256 N Arlington Heights Rd, Suite 203, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
PO Box 4792, Wheaton, IL 60189
180 N Stetson Ave, Suite 3500, Chicago, IL 60601
4256 North Arlington Heights Road, Suite 160, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
790 West Frontage Road, Suite 115, Northfield, IL 60093
110 N Brockway St, Suite 220, Palatine, IL 60067
180 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60601
125 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606
1000 Hart Road, Suite 300, Barrington, IL 60010
350 N. Clark Street, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60654
155 N Upper Wacker Dr, Suite 4250, Chicago, IL 60606
35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60601
444 W Lake St, 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
71 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60606
191 Waukegan Road, Suite 211, Northfield, IL 60093-2722
222 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 640, Chicago, IL 60606
One Northfield Plaza, Suite 300, Northfield, IL 60093
161 North Clark, 16th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
1512 Artaius Parkway, Suite 300, Libertyville, IL 60048
105 E Main St, Cary, IL 60013
35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60601
1990 East Algonquin Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Berkeley Adoption Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Berkeley
Lead Counsel independently verifies Adoption attorneys in Berkeley and checks their standing with Illinois bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Adoption Law?
Adoption law is the legal process of becoming a child’s legal parent. Adoption establishes a permanent legal relationship between you, your spouse or partner, and an adoptive child. Adoption is highly regulated by state law. There are many different types of adoption, including:
- Open adoption
- Closed adoption
- Private adoption
- Foster child adoption
- Step-child adoption
- International adoption
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need an Adoption Lawyer?
Many couples are surprised to find out how complex and expensive the adoption process can be. Trying to do an adoption on your own can end up being more costly than working with an adoption attorney. Some examples of other situations where you might need an adoption lawyer include:
- Your adoption falls through
- The child’s birth parents change their minds about adoption
- You want to adopt a child from another country
- The child’s birth parents want to stay in contact after the adoption
How Can an Adoption Lawyer Help Me?
An adoption lawyer can review your adoption case and explain your legal options. They can explain the legal process and make sure you are prepared for what to expect. When it is time to file the adoption papers with the court, your lawyer can prepare the documentation so the court process runs smoothly. In your adoption case, your lawyer can help:
- Identify the right adoption agency for your needs
- Prepare adoption paperwork and explain the terms
- Gather information for your background check
- Negotiate the costs and terms of the adoption
- Explain Illinois and federal adoption laws
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire an Adoption Lawyer?
If you don’t hire an adoption lawyer, you run the risk of complications with the adoption process. Adoption involves the legal process of becoming the child’s legal parent. If there are problems with the legal adoption payers, it can cause a delay or disputes over parental rights. Without proper legal review, your adoption case may involve:
- Delays that threaten the adoption
- Problems with international adoptions and immigration
- Return of the birth parents asserting their rights
- An unknown birth parent challenging the adoption
- Having undisclosed physical or mental health issues with the child
What Are the Top Questions When Choosing an Adoption Lawyer in Berkeley?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that your adoption attorney has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many adoption lawyers offer an initial consultation so you can understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions include:
- What is your experience in handling adoptions in Illinois?
- Have you managed adoption cases like mine?
- What is your approach to handling adoption cases with special needs children?
- What is your record for successful adoption cases?
- How will you communicate with me about the progress of my case?
- What is your fee and billing structure?
Tips for Hiring an Adoption Lawyer
Take the time to find an adoption lawyer who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find a lawyer who understands your adoption needs and goals and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about billing and fees
- Trust your instincts