Naperville Adoption Lawyer

Compassionate Family Lawyers for Clients in DuPage County, IL and the Surrounding Areas

The legal procedure of adopting a child is complicated and intimidating for many prospective parents. That being said, the laws around adoption are not meant to deter parents, but to protect children. A DuPage County family law attorney can help you carefully navigate the adoption process, working diligently to address any obstacles to your adoption.

At Calabrese Associates, P.C., we are here to act as your biggest supporter and advocate during the adoption process. Our lawyers can provide you with informed legal advice best suited to your situation, considering your priorities along with the child's welfare. You can rely on our firm to guide you through the legal procedures, keeping you informed of your options and speaking up for your rights.

Types of Adoptions We Can Help With

At Calabrese Associates, P.C., we enjoy helping people form new family relationships. We assist clients in all matters relating to adoptions, including:

• Step-parent adoptions
• Adoptions by aunts, uncles, step-brothers and step-sisters
• Grandparent adoptions
• Agency adoptions
• International adoptions
• Private adoptions
• Termination of parental rights

There are different laws and procedures associated with each type of adoption. For example, a home study may be required in an agency adoption, but not in a relative adoption. Before you file a petition for adoption, consider reaching out to a lawyer who can give you a realistic idea of what to expect.

Following the court's approval of an adoption petition, we can obtain a name change for the child as well.

Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Are Background Checks Required for Adoptions in Illinois?

In most adoption cases, the prospect parent(s) and any adults in the household will have to participate in a criminal background check. Merely having a criminal record will not bar you from adoption outright. However, if you were convicted of a sex crime or a violent offense, you will not be allowed to adopt. When assessing the risk of placing a child with a prospective parent, adoption authorities may consider how long ago the crime was committed and how it reflects on the parent's fitness to take care of a child.

If you are worried about what may appear on a criminal background check during an adoption, our attorneys can provide you with critical guidance and advocacy to help you address any concerns.

How Can I Adopt a Child in Illinois?

Adoptions can be accomplished easily if the birth parent is willing to relinquish parental rights. Our firm can review your situation, prepare the adoption petition and represent you in court for a reasonable fee.

Related adoptions (step-parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, step-brother, and step-sister) have streamlined procedures they often do not require a home or background study. Our firm will work to achieve your adoption as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The birth parents must give up their parental rights, either voluntarily or by court decree. Once a parent gives up these rights, he or she has no recourse regarding visitation rights except by the permission of the adoptive parents.

We have provided advice and information to a number of birth parents who have wanted to give up their babies for adoption. We can review your situation and explain the adoption process.

Guardianship as an Alternative to Adoption

Calabrese Associates, P.C. can also assist you in creating a guardianship for a person who can not care for himself or herself, or when a parent is temporarily incapable of performing his or her parental duties. With a guardianship, the parent does not lose all parental rights and can regain them at a later date.

Contact a Naperville, Illinois Adoption Attorney Today

For a consultation with Calabrese Associates, P.C., call 630-393-3111 or contact us online. From our offices in Warrenville, Illinois, we serve clients in Naperville, Wheaton, Aurora, St. Charles, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove and other communities in DuPage County, Kane County, Will County and Kendall County. Se habla español.