Guiding You Through Every Step of Building Your Family
Adoption is one of the most meaningful and life-changing decisions a family can make. It creates new beginnings, strengthens communities, and gives children a chance to grow up in loving, supportive homes. In North Carolina, adoption brings together families from all backgrounds, and each adoption story reflects the love, commitment, and resilience of the people involved.
At the Law Office of Stephen E. Robertson, PLLC, our Greensboro and Durham adoption attorneys understand the joy, complexity, and emotional depth that adoption brings. Whether you are adopting an infant, a child from foster care, a stepchild, or a child from another country, we guide you with compassion, experience, and a clear understanding of North Carolina adoption laws.
Because adoption often intersects with family law matters, many of our clients also explore related services on our Family Law Attorneys page to understand how adoption fits within the broader legal landscape.
Our mission is to help you create a safe, stable, and permanent home for a child who needs one. With careful legal planning and supportive guidance, the adoption process becomes a journey filled with hope, growth, and connection.
Understanding the Adoption Process in North Carolina
Adoption in North Carolina is designed to protect the best interests of the child while supporting families through a detailed legal and emotional process. Although every adoption journey is unique, the state follows a structured approach to ensure that children are placed in safe, healthy, and loving homes.
Initial Requirements and Assessment
The process often begins with a thorough assessment of the prospective adoptive parent or parents. This includes:
- Background checks
- Fingerprinting and criminal history reviews
- Reference checks
- Home inspections
- Interviews
- Adoption education and training
The assessment ensures that adoptive families understand the responsibilities of adoption and that they can provide a safe and stable environment.
Working with Agencies and Professionals
Many families work with private adoption agencies, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, or adoption facilitators to navigate the steps of:
- Matching with a child
- Completing paperwork
- Obtaining clearances
- Preparing for placement
Legal representation helps ensure compliance with state requirements and protects your rights during the process.
Pre-Placement Requirements
Before a child is placed in your home, certain legal and procedural requirements must be met, such as:
- Counseling for birth parents in private adoptions
- Termination or relinquishment of parental rights
- Filing of required documents
- Approval from agencies or social workers
These steps ensure stability and clarity for both adoptive families and children.
Placement and Post-Placement Visits
Once a child is placed, social workers conduct post-placement visits to evaluate the home environment and the child’s adjustment. These visits are supportive in nature and help confirm that the placement is safe and successful.
Finalization in Court
The last step is the adoption finalization hearing. A judge reviews the adoption petition, supporting documents, and post-placement reports. When the adoption is finalized, the child becomes the legal child of the adoptive parent or parents, with full rights and responsibilities.
Our attorneys assist with:
- Ensuring all legal requirements are met
- Filing adoption petitions
- Court representation
- Gathering supporting documentation
- Coordinating with agencies and social workers
Types of Adoption Available in North Carolina
North Carolina recognizes several forms of adoption, allowing families to choose the path that best fits their needs and circumstances.
Infant Adoption
Infant adoption often occurs through private agencies or direct agreements with birth parents. It is common for adoptive parents to build relationships with the birth mother or family and collaborate in forming an adoption plan.
This type of adoption may involve:
- Open or semi-open arrangements
- Birth parent counseling requirements
- Legal consent procedures
- Hospital plans and post-birth decisions
Foster Care Adoption
Foster care adoption provides a permanent home for children who have faced difficult circumstances or instability. These children may be:
- Part of sibling groups
- School-aged
- Children who have experienced trauma
- Children with special needs or medical needs
Foster care adoption is governed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which works closely with families to ensure a good match and long-term support.
Stepparent Adoption
Stepparent adoption allows a spouse to become the legal parent of their partner’s child. This process typically requires:
- Consent from the other biological parent
- Termination of parental rights if necessary
- A legal petition and background checks
Stepparent adoption strengthens family unity and provides children with legal protections and benefits.
Relative and Kinship Adoption
Kinship adoption occurs when grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives adopt a child within their extended family. This type of adoption ensures continuity of identity, culture, and family connection.
Many clients exploring kinship adoption also review our Grandparents Rights page to understand how relatives can advocate for a child’s protection and care.
International Adoption
International adoption brings children from other countries into North Carolina homes. This type of adoption has specific legal requirements, which may include:
- Compliance with federal immigration laws
- International treaties such as the Hague Convention
- Cooperation with agencies licensed for international placements
International adoption requires specialized guidance, and our attorneys ensure all requirements are met for a smooth and lawful adoption.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption in North Carolina
Adoptive parents must complete background checks, home studies, interviews, and required training. The purpose is to ensure the family can provide a safe and supportive home.
The timeline varies depending on the type of adoption. Private infant adoptions may happen more quickly, while foster care or international adoptions often take longer.
In most cases, yes. Birth parents must legally relinquish their parental rights. In situations involving neglect or other circumstances, rights may be terminated by the court.
Yes. North Carolina allows single adults to adopt, as long as they meet the requirements for providing a safe and stable home.
While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, adoption involves complex rules, documentation, and court procedures. Legal representation helps protect your rights and prevents delays.
Yes. Kinship adoption is common and often encouraged because it maintains family ties. Requirements vary based on circumstances.
After a child is placed in your home, a social worker visits to evaluate the child’s adjustment. These visits ensure safety and support for the child and adoptive parents.
A judge reviews your adoption petition and supporting documents. Once approved, the adoption becomes legally final, and you become the child’s legal parent.
Contact Our Adoption Lawyers Today
The Law Office of Stephen E. Robertson, PLLC is honored to help families through the beautiful and life-changing journey of adoption. Our Greensboro and Durham adoption attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and dedication to support you through each step of the process.
If you are ready to explore adoption or have questions about your options, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you create a safe, nurturing, and permanent home for the child you welcome into your life.