Handling Private and Stepparent Adoptions in Maryland
Adoption is one of the rare family law cases where everyone can leave the courthouse happy. At the Law Offices of Corrie A. Boulay, our lawyers help keep the experience a happy one by ensuring that all aspects of the adoption are performed professionally and compassionately.
Our lawyers handle private adoptions and stepparent adoptions. We also represent birth mothers.
Private Adoptions
Private adoptions over the years have become increasingly popular. However, it is important for all parties involved to protect themselves legally. In Maryland, adoptive parents can provide housing and medical expenses for the birth mother. However, parents are not allowed to pay the birth mother. It's important to seek a lawyer's advice to ensure that you don't cross any legal lines.
Stepparent Adoptions
The reality of stepparent adoptions is much more than a name change. Before the stepparent can adopt the child, the biological parent must agree to a termination of parental rights and obligations. After a successful adoption, the stepparent is now the legal parent of the child. He or she takes on all the rights and obligations a biological parent would have, including the obligation to pay child support if the marriage ends in divorce.
Representing Birth Mothers
Birth mothers who give up their children in agency or private adoptions have a right to legal representation. Our lawyers are experienced in protecting the interests of birth mothers in adoption proceedings.
Free Attorney Consultation
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss adoption. To talk with a family lawyer at our firm by phone or at one of our offices in Columbia and Annapolis, Maryland, call 410-988-4380 or fill out our contact form.
