There are several different ways to adopt. This may not be the first thing you think about when you consider adoption. The emotional aspects of this journey are typically front and center, and for good reason. Adoption is an amazing process.
But, there’s also the logistical side of things. This includes the type of adoption you will pursue. As hopeful parents considering adoption, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself in an interstate adoption. When that happens, you’ll need the services of a trusted and experienced adoption attorney.
At Gillespie Law Group, we’ve been providing those services for more than two decades. Interstate adoption can be a complicated process full of unforeseen twists and turns that can throw a wrench in your adoption plans. We want to make sure that doesn’t stop you from fulfilling your dream of becoming parents.
Contact us today to discuss how we can serve you during your intestate adoption in Illinois.
This is what you need to know about interstate adoption, and how the Gillespie Law Group can guide you to a successful final decree of adoption.
What Is Interstate Adoption?
Simply put, an interstate adoption occurs when the parents are residents of one state and the prospective birth mother is a resident of a different state. In the interstate adoption process — which is often an agency adoption, meaning both the adoptive parents and prospective birth mother work with a private adoption agency — the adoptive parents will travel to the birth mother’s state for placement when the child is born.
Why not just adopt from the state you are in? This is certainly another option for you. However, many families work with national adoption agencies and pursue interstate adoptions because it can significantly decrease the wait time in your adoption. It’s all about the numbers. National adoption agencies, who work across many states, are likely working with more prospective birth mothers than smaller agencies that only work within a single state. When there are more prospective birth mothers to look at your adoptive family profile, there’s a greater chance of being selected for an adoption opportunity.
The Complexities of Interstate Adoption Laws
Adoption laws are set at the state level, and they are not all the same. When you adopt across state lines, your adoption is required to follow the laws and meet the requirements of both states. If the interstate laws are not precisely followed, it could become an issue when you go to finalize your adoption.
We’ve been navigating these complex laws for more than two decades. In that time, it feels like we have seen it all. Our goal is to put this expertise to use for your benefit. Adoption can be a stressful time. You deserve to experience the best process possible, and we know our services will give you a greater peace of mind. You can focus on creating a family while we make sure everything is going according to plan and the process is following all of the interstate adoption laws.
ICPC — What it Is, and Why it Matters
The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is guiding document of interstate adoption. This federal law sets standard procedures across all 50 states to ensure that any adoption across state lines is done in a way that protects the child.
What does ICPC mean for you? An awareness that ICPC exists is really the most important thing for you as the hopeful adoptive parent. Understanding and navigating the ICPC adoption process is where we come in. As a family, you just need to listen to what your attorney says and make sure you follow any directions you are given.
The most immediate impact ICPC will have on you is an increased stay in the state of your child’s birth. Although timing always comes down to a case-by-case basis, families should be prepared to spend several weeks in the state of their child’s birth post-placement. The child cannot leave the state until the ICPC process has been completed by both the sending and receiving state, which can take several business days.
If this sounds overwhelming or stressful, just take a deep breath. We have helped hundreds of families through the ICPC process. We can help you, too.
Confidence in Interstate Adoptions
Adoption isn’t always easy. In fact, it’s usually very challenging. This can be a long process full of ups and downs. There’s a lot to learn, which can feel overwhelming. Plus, you’re busy preparing for the greatest joy and responsibility of your life in parenting.
Interstate adoptions, to add another layer, can be more complex than an adoption in which the expectant parents and adoptive parents live in the same state. We have experience with interstate adoptions, and understand the complexities that may arise when two states’ laws intersect.
We’ve helped families fulfill their dreams for years, and it would be an honor to work with you during your adoption. If you have more questions about interstate adoption, we would be happy to talk. Contact us at any time to schedule a free consultation. Let’s see how we can serve you.