The adoption process can be stressful for all parties involved as it involves a serious financial commitment and can be emotionally draining. However, an experienced family attorney could provide the necessary support that a family needs while undergoing this life-changing journey.
If you have any questions about adoption in Minnesota, consider contacting a Mankato adoption lawyer from Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office, Chtd. Our highly experienced attorneys could offer valuable information about the different types of adoption, who can adopt, and what some adoption requirements are.
When people think of adoption, they often imagine adopting a child. While this certainly is a type of adoption, it is not the only kind and can be a bit more complicated. Minnesota recognizes adult and minor adoption.
Adults are sometimes forgotten in the adoption process, but they can be adopted, too. Anyone 18 years or older is eligible to be adopted as an adult. According to Minn. Stat. § 259.241, an adult adoptee must give their consent for the adoption to be successful. An adult adoptee is not able to give consent under certain circumstances, like if they are not deemed competent.
As outlined by the Minnesota Judicial Branch, there are five categories of minor adoption. These include:
When adopting a minor, it is essential to note that adoptees 14 years or older must also provide consent. A Mankato attorney who is experienced in handling adoption-related cases could help a person understand how to classify their adoption request and what next steps are necessary.
One must follow several requirements to adopt a child in Minnesota, as stated by Rule 35 and Rule 37 of the Minnesota Rules of Adoptive Procedure. One of these is that an adopter must be a Minnesota resident for at least a year. However, there are some exceptions. The requirement may be reduced to 30 days if determined to be in the child’s best interest. Also, it can be waived entirely if the adopter is a family member or has a meaningful connection with the child.
Ordinarily, a child must live with a prospective adoptive parent for at least three months. However, depending on the circumstances, this may not be required. For instance, a child who is 14 years or older or related to the adopter does not have to meet this three-month standard.
Additionally, a potential adoptive parent must also undergo a home study, which is an extensive evaluation. Part of a home study comprises what is gathered in a typical background check to ensure that a child is placed in a safe home. This includes criminal history, fingerprinting, and investigation of any child abuse or neglect. Other parts of a home study assess various aspects of the adoptive parent’s life. This facet of the exam inspects an applicant’s health, financial status, and knowledge about the adoptee’s needs.
A client seeking to adopt a child understandably must go through a long process. It is important that children are placed in healthy environments and that adopters are prepared for life-changing circumstances. Even though this can be overwhelming, a Mankato attorney who specializes in adoption law could navigate this process with a hopeful parent.
Deciding to adopt can bring a family great moments of joy. However, the process is not easy, especially when deciding to adopt children. A Mankato adoption lawyer, as well as our paralegals and legal assistants, could be helpful guides through this area of law.
Connect with one of our attorneys to set up a consultation today. We are the largest law firm specializing in family law in Southern Minnesota. Our experience can deliver affordable, quality results that can get you started on the road to adoption.
