Adoption

A Family Law and Estate Planning Firm Here to Serve You

Experienced Orland Park Adoption Lawyers

The addition of a new family member through an adoption proceeding can be a wonderful experience. Certain steps have to be taken during the process to ensure that appropriate notice and consents are obtained. Whether the adoption is related or unrelated, Gwendolyn J. Sterk and the Family Law Group can offer a consultation with you to discuss your options and the requirements that must be met before commencing an adoption proceeding.

The Adoption Process

Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting for another and, in so doing, permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities from the biological parent or parents. Unlike guardianship or other systems designed for the care of the young, adoption is intended to affect a permanent change in status. s such, adoption requires societal recognition, either through legal or religious sanction. Historically, some societies enacted specific laws governing adoption. Others have tried to achieve adoption through less formal means, notably via contracts that specified inheritance rights and parental responsibilities without an accompanying transfer of filiation. Modern systems of adoption, which arose in the 20th century, tend to be governed by comprehensive statutes and regulations.

Illinois Adoption Act

Adoptions in the state of Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Adoption Act. This act outlines the steps which must be followed and the rights of all of the people involved in the adoption.

Types of Adoptions in Illinois

  • Related adoptions
  • Agency adoptions
  • Unrelated non-agency adoptions
  • Foreign adoptions
  • Adult adoptions

Adoption establishes you as a child’s legal parent with all the rights and responsibilities of a child born to you—an important life event for which you should have ample support. Our experienced adoption lawyers can help you with all of the legal matters involved in this process. We have assisted many individuals and families in and around Orland Park to navigate the legal process surrounding adoption. Contemporary adoption practices can be open or closed.

Illinois Adoption Act

Adoptions in the state of Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Adoption Act. This act outlines the steps which must be followed and the rights of all of the people involved in the adoption.

Types of Adoptions in Illinois

  • Related adoptions
  • Agency adoptions
  • Unrelated non-agency adoptions
  • Foreign adoptions
  • Adult adoptions

Adoption establishes you as a child’s legal parent with all the rights and responsibilities of a child born to you—an important life event for which you should have ample support. Our experienced adoption lawyers can help you with all of the legal matters involved in this process. We have assisted many individuals and families in and around Orland Park to navigate the legal process surrounding adoption. Contemporary adoption practices can be open or closed.

What To Expect

We are aware that the Illinois adoption process can be difficult to navigate. Our team of adoption lawyers is here to help you every step of the way, ensuring that you are well informed and positioned for the best possible outcome.

Our approachable and skilled legal team also assists with other family law matters: 

  • Divorce
  • Post-decree 
  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Orders of Protection
  • Estate Planning
  • Wills & Trusts
  • Guardianship

We are here for you and will continue to be available throughout the legal process to address your wishes and concerns.

We also offer free remote consultations and provide services from a distance if necessary.

You can contact by emailing our office at info@sterkfamilylaw.com or call (815)-600-8950 and one of our team members will promptly assist you.

Begin Your Journey To Self-Healing

Sterk Family Law Group is a firm of experienced family law attorneys in Orland Park, IL. Contact us to schedule your free family law or estate planning consultation today!