One of the many decisions facing families considering surrogacy is whether to opt for commercial or unpaid surrogacy. Some states have laws that prohibit commercial surrogacy. North Carolina permits the intended parents and the surrogate to work together to create a...
Year: 2020
A brief look at assisted reproductive technology
In our legal practice, we help build families in many ways. As a result, we have become familiar with the development of advanced fertility technology. The medical world refers to these techniques as "assisted reproductive technology". It is an area of considerable...
Taking a look at statistics on adoption
Whether you recently adopted a child or you plan to adopt a child in the near future, it is important to go over many factors, such as your obligations, the ways your life will change with a new family member as well as the benefits of adoption. Moreover, it is also...
Adoption agency sued after teen abuses adopted siblings
Those people in North Carolina who have participated in the adoption process know just how complex it can be (particularly in international cases). Yet most might assume those complexities arise from administrative tasks; the children involved no doubt simply want to...
What decision powers do surrogates and intended parents have?
A common concern for those considering surrogacy in North Carolina is how much control they will have over the surrogacy process and outcome. You may wonder whether the surrogate will remain committed to the agreement and whether you will be able to override decisions...
International adoption and post-adoption considerations
Whether you are preparing to adopt a child from a foreign country or you recently completed the international adoption process, there are a number of post-adoption considerations that you need to keep in mind. Adopting a child from overseas offers a number of...
What is a home study?
Like many states, North Carolina requires prospective parents to undergo a home study prior to allow them to adopt. Whether you are looking to adopt internationally or domestically, you must submit to the home study. Being prepared for your home study is the first...
Broken relationships may make stepparent adoption challenging
Stepparents often develop close relationships with their spouse's child. If the child's other parent is not in the picture, or behaves in a way that negatively affects him or her, the stepparent may want to adopt the child. According to Creating a Family, Inc., while...
What can I expect during the adoption process?
Blended families are practically the norm these days. When two families come together, there may be a desire on behalf of the stepparent to adopt their stepchild. This can sometimes occur for legal reasons, but it can also have a profound effect on the child,...
Can same-sex couples adopt children?
For years, same-sex couples in the U.S. have fought for legal rights. Marriage is now legal for LGBT couples in all 50 states, but some states cling to outdated ideas about same-sex unions. If you and your spouse want to adopt a child, you may have questions. Are you...