233 E Main St, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
(843) 809-0232
Growing your family through adoption is a selfless choice that changes a child’s life forever. Whether you’re pursuing a public, private, or international adoption, the South Carolina adoption process is necessarily complex to ensure the child’s protection.
Our compassionate Charleston adoption lawyer takes great joy in representing clients during adoption proceedings. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, or looking to place a child for adoption, confidentially discuss your rights with our experienced Moncks Corner family lawyer serving the Tri-County area by calling (843) 809-0232 or connecting with us online.
Adoption Options in South Carolina
There are multiple avenues available to help families adopt a child in South Carolina. Our experienced domestic relations attorney provide adoption services in the following cases:
- Public/Foster Care Adoption: Children not eligible to be reunited with their birth parents might be placed for adoption through DSS. The state handles terminating parental rights in such cases, but close relatives and family friends may have first rights to adopt the child. You need an experienced foster care adoption lawyer in either case, as many foster care adoptions are challenged or litigated.
- Private Adoption: These can be accomplished through a private adoption agency in Charleston or directly with an experienced adoption attorney in the Tri-County area.
- Stepparent Adoption: Provided the child’s other biological parent has passed away or does not have parental rights, you may adopt your spouse’s child in Moncks Corner through a stepparent adoption.
- Relative Adoption: Like a stepparent adoption, you may have an easier legal route to adopting children you’re related to by blood.
- International Adoption: You need an experienced international adoption law firm near Charleston to help you with overseas adoptions, as these involve complex federal immigration laws and require assistance navigating the adoption laws in the child’s birth country.
- Adult Adoption: South Carolina recognizes adult adoptions under S.C. Code § 63-9-1120. This legal process allows you to adopt an adult, including children who have aged out of foster care, with the adult’s consent.
Our experienced Moncks Corner adoption team might help you structure a confidential private adoption, represent your interests with DSS, or bring home a child from overseas. South Carolina further allows birth parents to request open and semi-open adoptions, leaving room for a continued relationship.
Appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for Adoptees
South Carolina law requires the court to appoint a guardian ad litem – a certified attorney for children – to represent the adoptee’s interest during adoption proceedings. The guardian analyzes the facts of each case – including the fitness, home, and background of the adoptive family – and makes recommendations based on the child’s best interest. We offer GAL attorney services for adoptions throughout the Tri-County area but must ultimately represent the interests of the child above all other parties.
Adoption Lawyer for Families in Charleston, S.C.
Do not let the lengthy legal process discourage you from adopting. While there may be obstacles, our experienced Moncks Corner adoption attorney can represent you during every step of the process. Let us prepare the paperwork while you prepare your home. Schedule a confidential adoption consultation with our family attorney serving the Tri-County area today by calling (843) 809-0232 or connecting with us online.