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Adoptions

The decision to pursue an adoption in Oklahoma is one that affects not only you but family members and others close to you for years to come.

Fry & Elder Tulsa adoption lawyer Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. realizes the weight of this decision and the steps that go into making a successful adoption, which is why the experienced and highly-regarded Fry & Elder attorney would like to better explain the adoption process and the nine different kinds of Oklahoma adoptions.

Why Should You Consult with a Tulsa Adoption Lawyer?

The complexity and procedures that accommodate adoptions in Oklahoma are such that it really is in your best interest to at the very least set up a personal consultation with a proven and accomplished Tulsa adoption lawyer. He or she will be able to give you sound advice, tell you what you can expect and better help navigate you through the process so that you have the best chance of getting your desired outcome.

All sorts of questions can derive from even just inquiring about an adoption. A trained and skilled Tulsa adoption lawyer will be able to better answer those questions and also give you all the options of adoption in Oklahoma.

What are the 9 Types of Adoptions in Oklahoma?

Step-parent Adoption: This is another common form of adoption that results when the spouse of the biological parent wishes to adopt. The assistance of an adoption lawyer is needed for this type of adoption to transpire. The non-custodial parent must agree to the adoption or his or her parental rights must be terminated by the courts.

Same Sex Adoption: In Oklahoma, same-sex married couples are permitted to adopt a child together through joint adoption laws. This allows that both prospective parents can become the adopted child’s legal parents. While adoption non-discrimination laws protect LGBT parent from discrimination by officials and agencies, those interested in pursuing this type of adoption should consult with an attorney.

Domestic Infant Adoption: This is one of the most widely recognized and popular forms of adoption because it involves the adoption of a U.S. born infant. These adoptions typically are made by people not biologically related to the child. Under Oklahoma law, if the mother signs a release, newborn babies can be released into the custody of the adoptive parents directly from the hospital.

Relative Adoption: Often involves the adoption of a grandchild, nephew or niece. These can only occur with the assistance of an attorney, Indian Nation or state of private agency.

Adult Adoption: This is made possible when the adult to be adopted gives consent or his or her guardian gives approval to the adopting adult. Approval also is needed by the spouse of adopting adult.

International Adoption: Through the aid of an adoption attorney or agency, an Oklahoma resident may adopt a child from another country. So that the child born out of the U.S. may receive an Oklahoma birth certificate, adoption or re-adoption of foreign child may occur. A final order, decree or judgement of adoption delivered by the courts or other governmental authority in a foreign country or territory of the United States is recognized under Oklahoma law.

FostAdopt: This is a complex and specific adoption that occurs when a child in the foster care system is expected to be legally free for adoption. The child is matched with a trained foster family interested in adopting the child. There are additional factors that go into the FostAdopt process and no guarantees can be made.

Interstate Adoption: An attorney or adoption agency is needed for an Oklahoma family to adopt a child from another state depending on the laws of that other state. All 50 states have regulated the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. This mandates that certain procedures and guidelines must be met before a child can be transported between states for adoption. Failure to comply with the Interstate Compact guidelines typically makes it illegal for a child to be moved between states for adoption.

Children with “Special Needs” Adoption: Generally, these types of adoptions are organized by a private agency licensed for special needs adoptions, a state agency or an Indian Nation child welfare department. Adults seeking to adopt a child with “special needs” adoption can receive extensive training from various agencies to help prepare them for the challenges of parenting these children. These types of adoptions are centered on children who have been placed under the supervision and care of the state after their birth parent’s rights have been terminated by the juvenile division of the probate court.

Why Turn to Fry & Elder?

For 50 years and counting, Fry & Elder has signified Oklahoma family law excellence. The firm has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s exclusive list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2019.

Not only was Fry selected as the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma for 2016 by Best Lawyers®, he also is one of only 19 Oklahoma attorneys to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. 

Fry & Elder attorneys have also garnered the following honors:

If you or someone close to you has questions regarding Oklahoma adoption procedure, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an experienced Tulsa adoption lawyer.

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