Legal Adoption Proceedings in Pennsylvania
When you choose to adopt a child in Pennsylvania, you first need to determine where to file the adoption petition. An adoption petition must be filed in the county where the agency, adoptive parents or birth parents reside.
The Law Office of Stephen Ross provides compassionate, personalized and experienced representation for clients seeking adoptions throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. We offer flat fees so you will know your adoption costs upfront. Contact us to talk to an adoption attorney about your case.
Who Can Adopt?
Any individual may become an adopting parent. Historically in Pennsylvania, only single persons or married persons could adopt. However, in 2002, the definition of who may adopt was expanded by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Now children who are adopted by a gay couple are entitled to the same rights given to two heterosexual parents that include:
- Inheritance rights
- Social Security survivor benefits
- Medical insurance benefits
- Medical decision-making rights
- Educational decision-making rights
- Child support obligations
- Custody/visitation rights
Who May Place the Child for Adoption?
Any person or agency that has the legal right to do so may place a child for adoption. Persons include the birth parents or legal guardian. Agencies that may do so include child adoption agencies or children and youth or related government agencies.
Contact Our Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Adoption Attorneys
For more information about legal proceedings in adoption, Contact us to schedule a consultation with our Pottstown adoption lawyers. We serve families in Montgomery County, Chester County, Berks County, Philadelphia County, Lancaster County and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania.
