Adoption is a beautiful thing. Not only does it help a child in need find a loving family—it fills a hole in the family that they might not have even known was there. However, reaching that happily ever after is not without its hurdles. Prospective families are encouraged to seek legal counsel before even starting the proceedings. Here are just a few reasons why you should hire an adoption attorney as soon as you decide to pursue this course of action. 

3 Reasons to Hire an Adoption Attorney

1. To Protect Your Rights 

Believe it or not, adoption scams can and do happen. If you decide to pursue adoption with a private agency, a lawyer will review their credentials and any contracts they provide to protect your rights from day one. 

2. To Navigate the Proceedings 

An adoption attorney will guide you through every step of the process. In addition to drafting, reviewing, and modifying contracts, your legal team will gather proof of eligibility, prevent you from missing critical deadlines, and take the steps needed to mitigate potential disputes. For example, if your lawyer suspects one of the birth parents may not consent, he or she will determine whether the adoption is still worth pursuing and, if so, how to proceed. 

3. To Finalize Everything 

To finalize an adoption, you must go before a judge. An attorney will prepare you for this hearing and ensure everything is in order before it commences. Your lawyer will also help with other aspects of cementing the arrangement, like changing the child’s legal name. 

If you need an adoption attorney in Arizona, look no further than Riggs Ellsworth & Porter, PLC. From their offices in Mesa, Queen Creek, and Show Low, this firm counsels clients in a variety of areas, offering attentive, personalized guidance, so that you can begin making new family memories as soon as possible. To get in touch and request a consultation, call 1-800-777-8529 or fill out the form on their website.