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Adoption Attorneys in North Carolina

Your Trusted Guide Through the Adoption Process

At the Law Office of Nathan Earwood, we understand that adoption can feel like a daunting and emotional journey. Whether you’re exploring adoption for the first time or are already in the process, you likely have a lot of questions and concerns. With over 90 years of combined legal experience and hundreds of five-star reviews, our team of dedicated adoption attorneys in NC is here to help you navigate every step of the process, ensuring you achieve the outcome you deserve.

Let us help you create the family you’ve always dreamed of.

Why Choose Our Adoption Attorneys?

Adoption is a transformative and deeply personal process, and having the right legal support can make all the difference. At the Law Office of Nathan Earwood, we offer:

  • 90+ Years of Combined Experience: Our team of attorneys has the knowledge and skill to guide you through complex legal matters.
  • Local Expertise: With five convenient locations across western North Carolina (Asheville, Waynesville, Sylva, Franklin, and Robbinsville), we’re always ready to assist clients in their own communities.
  • Client-Centered Approach: We understand the anxiety and uncertainty that often come with adoption. Our adoption attorneys will work closely with you, addressing your concerns and providing clear guidance throughout the entire process.
  • Flexible Consultations: We offer virtual, in-person, and phone consultations, allowing you to choose the most convenient option for your needs.
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Let Us Help You Overcome Adoption Challenges

Adoption may be the most important decision you make in your life. However, the process can feel overwhelming—costly, time-consuming, and full of legal complexities. Whether you are looking to adopt through an agency or independently, you need an experienced adoption attorney who can handle the details and make sure everything is done correctly and efficiently.

Understanding the Adoption Process in North Carolina

The process of adoption in North Carolina involves several key steps. While each adoption journey is unique, here’s an overview of the typical steps:

  1. Preliminary Matters: This step involves determining the child you want to adopt or working with an agency in selecting the child, and obtaining the biological parent’s consents or filing termination of parental rights actions.
  2. Filing the Petition: Once you’ve collected all the necessary documentation, including consents from the birth parents or the termination orders, you’ll file a Petition for Adoption with the court. This marks the official start of the legal adoption process.
  3. Assessments, Home Visits, Biological Information

The court will typically require pre-placement assessments completed by the department of social services in your county, unless waived for good cause. Reports will be completed to ensure the child will thrive in your residence and to put the court at ease. Biological information, such as family medical history of the adoptee’s parents, would be obtained at this phase.

  1. The Adoption Hearing: After filing the petition, the court will schedule a hearing within six months. If there are no objections, your adoption may be finalized without a formal hearing. However, the court will still review your case to ensure it’s in the child’s best interests.

Key Adoption Options in North Carolina

Open vs. Closed Adoptions

In North Carolina, adoptions can be either open or closed, and the choice is up to the adoptive and birth parents.

  • Open Adoption: In an open adoption, there is communication between the birth parents and adoptive parents. This can include sharing pictures, letters, or even meeting in person.
  • Closed Adoption: In a closed adoption, the identities of the birth parents are not shared with the adoptive parents, and adoption records are sealed. The child can request non-identifying information once they turn 18.

Public vs. Private Agencies

  • Public Adoption Agencies are state-run institutions that typically manage the care of children awaiting adoption. These agencies can often be less expensive but may have fewer resources.
  • Private Adoption Agencies are independent organizations that often provide more resources, such as counseling and support. Private adoptions can be more selective, but they may offer greater flexibility for adoptive parents.

Independent Adoption

Independent adoptions occur when adoptive parents find a child outside of an agency, such as adopting a relative or through private arrangements. While this can be a cost-effective option, it may also require more intensive legal assistance as the hoops to jump through are greater.

Same-Sex Adoption

LGBTQ+ individuals and couples can also pursue adoption in North Carolina. Our experienced adoption lawyers understand the unique challenges that same-sex couples may face during the adoption process. We are committed to helping you build the family you deserve, providing a supportive and empathetic legal process. Learn more about same-sex adoption and how we can help.

Adoption Requirements in North Carolina

In North Carolina, there are a few key requirements to keep in mind when filing for adoption:

  • Age Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to adopt a minor child.
  • Single or Married Applicants: Both single individuals and married couples can adopt. If you’re married, both spouses must be petitioners.
  • Termination of Parental Rights: Before an adoption can occur, the parental rights of the birth parents must either be terminated or legally severed or consents must be signed.

The Cost of Adoption

The cost of adoption varies based on the type of adoption you choose. Agency adoptions can be more expensive than independent adoptions, but public agencies often offer lower fees. Keep in mind that adoption costs may also include court fees, legal expenses, and post-placement services. Adoptions by consent, versus adoptions occurring after a termination of parental rights, are typically cheaper and have less overall costs associated.

Our attorneys can help you understand the potential costs and explore financial aid options to ensure you don’t feel overwhelmed by the financial aspect of adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the adoption process in North Carolina?

The process begins with a pre-placement assessment and gathering of necessary documents. After that, you will file a Petition for Adoption, and once approved by the court, an adoption hearing will finalize the adoption

Can I adopt if I'm single?

Yes, North Carolina allows single individuals to adopt, though your adoption attorney will guide you through the process to ensure you’re fully prepared. If you are single, no other person may adopt with you. If you are married, your spouse must adopt with you.

How long does the adoption process take?

The length of the process can vary, but typically, the court hearing must be scheduled within 90 days of filing, and the adoption must be finalized within six months.

What are the costs of adoption?

Adoption costs vary widely depending on the type of adoption. Public adoptions may be less expensive, while private adoptions tend to have higher fees. An adoption attorney can help you understand the full range of costs.

Can I adopt a relative?

Yes, relative adoptions are common in North Carolina, and we can guide you through this process to ensure you meet all the legal requirements.

Ready to Begin Your Adoption Journey?

If you’re ready to take the next step in building your family, contact the Law Office of Nathan Earwood today. With our experienced adoption attorneys by your side, you’ll have the guidance and support you need to navigate the adoption process with confidence.

  • Virtual, In-Person, and Phone Consultations Available
  • Serving Asheville, Waynesville, Sylva, Franklin, Robbinsville, and Beyond

Call us at (828) 354-4300 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation today!

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