Law Offices of Lynda Latta

Adoption laws vary from state to state. Each of the 50 United States have laws that govern adoption. In legal terms, adoption is the process by which a legal parent-child relationship is created between people who are not biologically parent and child. This means that a family is created by a court of law. Parental rights and responsibilities come about due to a legal shifting of the relationship. Because of this, it's important to follow the legal requirements exactly. Prior to the 1970's, most adoption records were strictly closed. Neither the biological nor adoptive parents knew much about each other and the children adopted didn't know much about their birth parents. This was bad because the child grew up with little knowledge of their genetic, medical and social background. Now the birth and adoptive parents can determine the relationship and knowledge they want on each other. Numerous adoptions also occur when the adoptive parents travel to foreign countries.

Adoption Of Adults

Sometimes health or safety issues may mean that you need to become the primary caretaker of an adult. Perhaps this adult is incapacitated by illness and had not signed a power of attorney form. Or the adult could have mental or physical difficulties that make self-care impossible. When this occurs, the courts appoint a guardian to make personal or financial decisions. In other words, the court appoints a substitute decision maker. Guardianship is a serious decision and should be made only if the person has a serious inability to make or understand the consequences of his decisions. Remember, there's no law against making foolish decisions, so if grandpa wants to send a donation to the Followers of German Shepherds, that's his right. But if he doesn't understand the consequences of signing over his Social Security to the group, then someone else may need to take over. Guardians are required to stay within strict financial limits and must report periodically to the court. If you think you know someone who needs a guardian, contact your attorney.