Pennsylvania Adoption Lawyers

Adoption can be a complex, yet very rewarding process. Whether adopting a newborn, a stepchild, or a foster child, the attorneys at Scaringi & Scaringi, P.C., have the experience and commitment you need. We comprehend Pennsylvania adoption laws and know how to maneuver the intricate steps of the legal system. Contact our adoption attorneys for quality legal counsel in Harrisburg or throughout Central Pennsylvania.

We offer guidance and counsel to adoptive parents or biological parents throughout adoption proceedings. Our adoption attorneys are experienced at handling all types of adoptions, including:

• Newborn adoptions
• Stepparent adoptions
• Private adoptions
• Third party adoptions/family adoptions
• Foster parent adoptions
• Interstate adoptions
• International adoptions
• Adult child adoptions

For Non-Familial Adoptive Parents: The adoption process generally includes a home study which is followed up by a pre-placement report. Additionally, a background check, including a child abuse assessment will be conducted. We inform clients of the requirements, guide them through the proceedings, and ensure they understand the ramifications of all documents they sign.

For Birth Parents: It is an emotional decision to place your child with adoptive parents. It is a decision that should be carefully considered. However, it can also be a very brave decision if you believe your child will have a better life if adopted. We help you understand your rights and the documents that you will be signing. Adoption laws mandate that birth mothers are not permitted to sign consent to the adoption until 72 hours after the birth. Therefore, you have a right to revoke your decision for adoption until you sign the consent forms following the birth.

For Stepparents: We help clients throughout the duration of the stepparent adoption process. In a stepparent adoption, the non-custodial biological parent must either consent to the adoption or have their parental rights terminated by the court. If consent cannot be obtained, we petition the court for involuntary termination of their parental rights. This process may take 6 months or more. If the court terminates the parental rights of the biological parent, our stepparent adoption attorneys facilitate the remaining issues, including name changes where appropriate.

For International Adoptive Parents: We assist adoptive parents through the international adoption process. Because many international adoptions physically occur on foreign soil, it is necessary to have the adoption registered in the United States. By registering the foreign adoption, the child is issued a Social Security card and birth certificate (if one has not already been issued).

For Parents With Children By Surrogacy: Surrogacy is a relatively new concept which allows infertile couples to have children that are biologically related or partly biologically related. Very few lawyers have experience in the complex legal issues involved in this new area of the law. It is important to have an experienced attorney you can trust to protect your rights during and after the surrogacy process. For more information about adoption in the context of surrogacy please visit our surrogacy law page.

Contact Scaringi & Scaringi, P.C.

Learn more about adoption or discuss your legal concerns with our skilled adoption lawyers. Contact our Harrisburg law firm today.