{"id":351570,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:24","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/adoption\/get-legal-help-with-adoption.html"},"modified":"2024-09-23T13:35:00","modified_gmt":"2024-09-23T18:35:00","slug":"get-legal-help-with-adoption","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/get-legal-help-with-adoption.html","title":{"rendered":"Get Legal Help with Adoption"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Get Legal Help with Adoption<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lisa-burden-j-d\/\">Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 23, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>An adoption attorney can smooth your adoption process while helping you avoid potential pitfalls. Even more importantly,&nbsp;your attorney&nbsp;can protect your and your adoptive child&#8217;s interests.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>Adoption is a life-changing event. It\u2019s crucial to understand your legal rights and responsibilities at every step of the adoption process. Navigating the complexities of family law, from <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">choosing an adoption attorney<\/a> to understanding parental rights, can be challenging.<\/p>\r\n<p>An attorney can offer several legal services during the adoption process. Learn about getting legal help from an adoption professional below, including common legal issues and ways an attorney can help.<\/p>\r\n<p>Visit FindLaw\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption.html\">Adoption Law<\/a> section for additional adoption articles, resources, and FAQ.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Common Adoption Issues and Questions<\/h2>\r\n<p>In any adoption, several legal and personal issues may arise. These issues can complicate and prolong your adoption case. For example, you might wonder about state law, adoption referrals, and parents&#8217; consent. But some of these issues may not come to light until it&#8217;s too late.<\/p>\r\n<p>Some common legal matters or questions adopting parents often encounter include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>What can I expect from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/adoption-background-information.html\">adoption process<\/a>?<\/li>\r\n<li>Which&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/types-of-adoption.html\">method of adoption<\/a>&nbsp;should I use (confidential, mediated, or open adoption)?<\/li>\r\n<li>What&nbsp;rights&nbsp;do <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/adoption-and-same-sex-couples-basics.html\">same-sex couples<\/a> have regarding adoption?<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/who-may-adopt-overview.html\">Who can legally adopt<\/a>&nbsp;a child?<\/li>\r\n<li>What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/agency-adoptions.html\">agency adoption<\/a>&nbsp;versus an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/independent-adoption.html\">independent adoption<\/a>&nbsp;or private adoption?<\/li>\r\n<li>How does&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/international-adoption-basics.html\">international adoption<\/a>&nbsp;work?<\/li>\r\n<li>What are the&nbsp;costs&nbsp;associated with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/inter-country-adoption-costs.html\">international adoption<\/a>?<\/li>\r\n<li>What steps should I take to get&nbsp;citizenship&nbsp;for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/citizenship\/u-s-citizenship-for-a-foreign-born-adopted-child.html\">child adopted from a different country<\/a>?<\/li>\r\n<li>What is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/the-adoption-home-study-process.html\">home study<\/a> process?<\/li>\r\n<li>What are the obligations of biological parents in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/stepparent-adoption-faq-s.html\">stepparent adoption<\/a>?<\/li>\r\n<li>Can the biological parents&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/birth-parent-rights.html\">revoke&nbsp;consent<\/a>?<\/li>\r\n<li>What happens to the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/how-to-get-your-adoption-records.html\">birth certificate<\/a>&nbsp;in an adoption?<\/li>\r\n<li>How do you get a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/parental-rights-and-liability\/father-s-right-to-change-his-child-s-name.html\">name change<\/a> for an adopted stepchild?<\/li>\r\n<li>What are the child support obligations for birth parents after an adoption?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The right legal advice is essential. An adoption lawyer can answer these legal questions.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Managing Adoption Legal Issues<\/h2>\r\n<p>Beyond answering your questions, an adoption attorney can handle any legal problems with your adoption. This is particularly important in <a>foster care<\/a> scenarios, like terminating parental rights.<\/p>\r\n<p>It is also critical in cases involving birth family issues, including biological parents who want to challenge the adoption or revoke consent. If these issues occur, your attorney can represent your interests in family court.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Preparing the Adoption Paperwork<\/h2>\r\n<p>Your attorney can also prepare and file paperwork in family court, including petitions, consent forms, and other legal documentation. Professional legal assistance with this help can minimize delays or complications due to incomplete information or missed deadlines.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Meeting With Your Attorney: What To Expect<\/h2>\r\n<p>When you hire a family law attorney, they&#8217;ll guide you through the documentation necessary to expand your family. They\u2019ll also need <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/checklist-documents-to-show-your-adoption-attorney.html\">comprehensive information<\/a> about you, the adoptive child, and the birth parents (if applicable).<\/p>\r\n<h3>What Information Must Prospective Adoptive Parents Provide?<\/h3>\r\n<p>Be prepared to disclose personal and identifying information to your attorney, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Full name<\/li>\r\n<li>Legal name, if different<\/li>\r\n<li>Maiden name or former name, if applicable<\/li>\r\n<li>Date of birth (DOB)<\/li>\r\n<li>Present address and past addresses<\/li>\r\n<li>Employment and income<\/li>\r\n<li>Details regarding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce.html\">previous marriages or divorces<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>You should also provide information about any other adults or children living in your home. Your attorney will also want to know how much <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/costs-of-adopting-fact-sheet-for-families.html\">you can spend on your adoption<\/a> and how you will fund it. This can affect your adoption options.<\/p>\r\n<h3>What Information Should I Provide About Birth Parents?<\/h3>\r\n<p>If the biological parents are known and involved, adoptive parents must provide their full names and addresses.<\/p>\r\n<p>It also helps to share information about:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The natural parents&#8217; readiness to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/consent-to-adoption-introduction.html\">consent&nbsp;to the adoption<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Their understanding&nbsp;of the adoption process <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/consent-to-adoption-what-biological-parents-need-to-know.html\">as birth parents<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Their relationship with the child<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If the birth parents are unknown, note the child&#8217;s current caregiver or adoption agency.<\/p>\r\n<h3>What Information About the Child Is Necessary?<\/h3>\r\n<p>Provide details about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/obtaining-background-information-on-your-prospective-adoptive.html\">future adopted child<\/a> to your attorney. Be prepared to disclose information on the child&#8217;s birth, like date of birth (DOB) and place of birth. If available,&nbsp;supply&nbsp;a certified copy of the child&#8217;s birth certificate.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Disclose Any Potential Legal Complications<\/h3>\r\n<p>Your legal representation needs to know about any existing legal matters or special factors, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Child custody disputes<\/li>\r\n<li>Past arrests or criminal charges<\/li>\r\n<li>Reports of domestic violence or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-abuse.html\">child abuse<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Outstanding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/enforcement-and-collection-of-back-child-support.html\">child support<\/a> obligations<\/li>\r\n<li>Previous adoption attempts<\/li>\r\n<li>Health history or chronic illness<\/li>\r\n<li>Substance abuse, alcoholism, or drug use<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Your attorney can protect your interests if these issues could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/obstacles-to-the-adoption-process.html\">affect or delay<\/a> the adoption process.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Get Professional Legal Help With Adoption Today<\/h2>\r\n<p>The right attorney is your most valuable legal resource throughout the adoption process. This is true whether dealing with adoption agencies, birth parents, stepparent adoption, or adult adoption. Having the right attorney is key to a successful adoption.<\/p>\r\n<p>Every adoption journey is unique. An adoption lawyer can provide legal information specific to your case while guiding you through each step of the process. The right attorney understands the nuances of your adoption and advocates for the best interests of the adoptee.<\/p>\r\n<p>Find an adoption attorney near you with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FindLaw\u2019s attorney directory<\/a>. When searching for or an attorney, keep your specific needs and adoption circumstances in mind.<\/p>\r\n<p>Legal aid may be available to eligible prospective parents. Check with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/state-bar-associations.html\">your state\u2019s bar association<\/a> for additional information or referrals to low-cost legal aid services.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div 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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                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>Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    It is a good idea to have an attorney for complex adoptions\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can ensure you meet all legal requirements and that your adoption is finalized appropriately\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can help protect the best interests of adoptive children, adoptive families, and birth parents\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    For simple adoptions, you may be able to do the paperwork on your own or by using an agency\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice at any point in the adoption process. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL24\" title=\"Family Law Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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             <div class=\"fl-image-card__content\">\n            <div class=\"action-card-layout\">\n                <h2 class=\"action-card-layout__heading\">\n                    Don&#8217;t Forget About Estate Planning\n                <\/h2>\n                <div class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>Adopting a child is an ideal time to create or change your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.findlaw.com%2Fforms%2Festate-planning.html&amp;data=05%7C01%7CBrittany.Walker%40thomsonreuters.com%7C2d4e4b227c9a4fb86af008dbda212946%7C62ccb8646a1a4b5d8e1c397dec1a8258%7C0%7C0%7C638343608191626949%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=bi68%2BBAgQTWdqe0Zw10fMvZVQGWNTvAvVB4MyPzLqd8%3D&amp;reserved=0\">estate<\/a><span style=\"background-color: transparent;font-weight: normal;\"> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.findlaw.com%2Fforms%2Festate-planning.html&amp;data=05%7C01%7CBrittany.Walker%40thomsonreuters.com%7C2d4e4b227c9a4fb86af008dbda212946%7C62ccb8646a1a4b5d8e1c397dec1a8258%7C0%7C0%7C638343608191626949%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=bi68%2BBAgQTWdqe0Zw10fMvZVQGWNTvAvVB4MyPzLqd8%3D&amp;reserved=0\">planning forms<\/a><span style=\"background-color: transparent;font-weight: normal;\">. Take the time to add new beneficiaries to your will and name a guardian for any minor children. Consider creating a financial power of attorney so your agent can pay bills and make sure your children are provided for. A health care directive explains your health care decisions and takes the decision-making burden off your children when they become adults.<\/span><\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start Planning<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An adoption attorney can help you with the adoption process. FindLaw shares the ways a lawyer can help and how to find the right one for your adoption.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":351545,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2730],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-351570","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-family"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351570","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=351570"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351570\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351545"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=351570"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=351570"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=351570"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=351570"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=351570"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}