The decision to adopt a new family member is a big choice, so parents will want to ensure they are going about the steps correctly. Many adoptive parents will turn to a family lawyer who has experience in adoption during this time so they have confidence as they go through the process. If you are wondering whether you need to hire a legal professional and have other questions that need answering, consider talking with a reputable lawyer in your area. For now, here are the answers to some of the most common questions parents ask: 

What would an adoption lawyer do?

A lawyer who offers assistance with adoption can help parents gain guardianship of a child that wasn’t brought into their family biologically. A lawyer can help parents complete paperwork, locate a reliable agency in the area, and represent them in court if needed. A lawyer will also always have the parents’ best interests in mind, guiding them along the way towards adoption. 

What if I don’t know where to begin?

For those who are just beginning their journey to adoption, meeting with a lawyer is a good place to start. The laws for adoption may vary by state, and your lawyer will have the information you need so you understand how these laws may impact your adoption process. Your lawyer can provide guidance based on your situation and your preference for adoption, whether that be foster care, independent adoption, open, closed, public agency, private agency, or international. 

What is the difference between independent and agency adoption?

Independent adoption is when there isn’t an agency or social services department who is part of the adoption process. In such instances, if both parents (existing and adoptive) agree, then they can pursue the legal adoption themselves with assistance from a lawyer. There are licensed adoption agencies who can provide adoption services, depending on the adoptive parent’s situation and preferences. 

How long will the adoption process take?

From the start of your adoption filing to when a child becomes a legal member of your family, it may take up to five years including periods of waiting. However, it may take less time if your lawyer knows who to talk to, what paperwork to fill out, and how to avoid legal complications. If you are interested in adopting as soon as possible, then hire a lawyer who may be able to expedite the process. 

What are the common reasons that people adopt?

There are many reasons why a single or partnered couple would want to adopt a child that isn’t biologically theirs. Perhaps they struggle with infertility but still want a baby, so adoption is their next resource. Others want to create a life and family where they are making a difference on a more global scale, particularly when they adopt internationally. All in all, every adoptive parent must be coming from a genuine place where they truly want to open their hearts and home to a child who doesn’t have that support. 

It can be very frustrating to have established an alimony agreement either through a court order or mediation, and then have your ex stop paying. Perhaps your ex lost his or her job, is dealing with a medical issue, or has encountered some other setback. There may be legitimate reasons for not paying alimony. However, it is important to know that as the former spouse receiving alimony, you do have the option to contact the court and request that action is taken with the help of a family lawyer so you can get what is owed to you. 

Should I try to contact my former spouse to see what’s going on?

If you have a decent relationship with your ex, then you may want to reach out to them directly yourself to see what could be going wrong. But, if you don’t hear back, then it may be best to contact the court instead. If the courts find out that your ex has lost a job, been injured, or recently diagnosed with a serious illness, then they may reduce or eliminate the alimony until things get better. If you can resolve it amicably, then it’s worth a try. Otherwise, contact the courts right away for help. 

What if my ex just outright refuses to pay alimony?

A former spouse that just wants to seek revenge by not paying alimony, is only making things worse for themselves. The court doesn’t take lightly to exes who refuse to pay alimony, especially if a judge was the one who wrote the terms. By not getting your payments, this means you may not have been able to pay for necessities of living, such as rent, groceries, medication, and other related expenses. The court may decide to suspend their license, garnish wages from their paychecks, or hold them in contempt of court for refusing to pay alimony. 

How can I notify the court about what’s happening?

You can file a petition to the court for assistance in getting the alimony you are owed, if your ex has no reliable reason for not paying. Many people hire an attorney for help with paperwork, to confirm they are filling things out correctly and have everything in order. By petitioning the court, you are asking a judge to order your ex to catch up on alimony payments and to be on time in the future (a process called motion for enforcement or contempt).

What happens if the judge rules the alimony petition in my favor?
If the judge rules in your favor, then the court can necessitate the county to confiscate the spouse’s financial estate and profits from real estate. They can order jail time if your ex continues to disobey the law. The courts may require your ex’s employer to take out a portion of their paychecks as a way to ensure that you are getting your due payment. A judge may award you a percentage of money from your former spouse’s bank account, in addition to serving your ex a money judgement with interest.