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Adoption Lawyer in Maryland

Law offices in Glen Burnie. Serving clients’ legal needs across the state of Maryland.

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At Jimeno & Gray, we help families all over Maryland navigate the adoption process. If you need an experienced adoptions lawyer to walk you through each step, you’ve come to the right place.

Deciding to expand your family through adoption is a big and joyful decision, but the legal process involves many complexities. You’re excited to start this new chapter in your life, so you want everything to go as smoothly as possible.

With our law firm, you’ll have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side to walk you through the process in the most efficient way possible. When you need support from compassionate, experienced adoption attorneys, don’t hesitate to call our office or fill out our contact form.

Maryland Adoption Policies

Adoption laws vary between states, so understanding how policies work here in Maryland will help you begin the process.

Private vs. Agency Adoptions

Private adoptions occur when birth parents and adoptive families find each other independently. For example, if a stepfather wishes to legally adopt his spouse’s child, all parties already know each other and simply must complete the legal steps to finalize the process. Private adoptions typically occur with the support of an adoptions lawyer to file all the necessary paperwork.

Agency adoptions occur when an organization takes legal ownership over a child before prospective parents adopt the child. Organizations may include private adoption agencies or government agencies, like the Department of Social Services (DSS), which typically places children in foster care, relative care, or exchange programs.

Using an Adoption Facilitator

Adoption facilitators pair prospective parents with children through private adoptions. Maryland strictly prohibits you from paying any individual for services related to adoption, so using an adoption facilitator who requires payment is not legal. If you have questions about following this law, contact our firm to discuss your needs.

Adopting a Foster Care Child

Adopting a child in foster care is an agency adoption. The Department of Social Services (DSS) may remove children from their previous homes due to neglect, abuse, or parental denial and place them in a temporary foster home. If you’re considering adopting a child in foster care before the termination of parental rights, you should consider that the birth parents may choose to negotiate a post-adoption contact agreement.

Understanding all the ins and outs of the different adoption processes in Maryland isn’t easy. Your adoptions lawyer can help you through each step.

Adoption Requirements in Maryland

To adopt a child in Maryland, you must meet these requirements:

  • Be 18 or older
  • Have sufficient emotional and physical ability to care for a child
  • Show medical records proving adequate physical health
  • Have adequate home space (rented or owned) to care for a child
  • Earn sufficient income

Contact an Experienced Adoptions Lawyer in Glen Burnie Today

At Jimeno & Gray, we tailor our legal services to suit your needs. Contact Jimeno & Gray at 410-590-9401 to speak with an adoptions lawyer in Glen Burnie, Maryland, today.