Do You Need a Lawyer for an Adoption in Maryland?

 Posted on May 29, 2025 in Family Law

Adopting a child is such a joyful event, but it is also a commitment. It means bringing a child into your family and becoming that child’s legal parent. Adoptions can be complex, especially if the birth parents decide to contest. While you are not required to have an attorney represent you to adopt, a court will have to approve the adoption. By hiring an attorney to provide skilled legal representation, you can ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible should any issues arise. In this delicate and fragile emotional moment, having an attorney by your side can be especially advantageous. If you have any questions about a lawyer’s role in an adoption, our experienced Rockville, MD adoption attorneys are here to help.

What Is the Process of Adopting a Child in Maryland?

There are several different types of adoption in Maryland, including domestic, foster care, international, and step-parent adoptions. Once you choose the type of adoption and adoption agency that you want and you complete the home study, you will hopefully be matched with a child. At that point, you will fill out the legal paperwork and, if all goes well and everything is approved, attend a finalization hearing in which the court will legally recognize the adoption.

Do You Have to Meet Certain Requirements to Adopt a Child?

To adopt in Maryland, you must meet certain requirements that show you are able to provide a safe and loving home for the child. To do so, you will have to undergo a background check, a health evaluation, and potentially some pre-adoption training. You will also have to submit to a home study, which is an evaluation of your fitness to adopt a child.

How Can an Attorney Assist Your Maryland Adoption?

An attorney will guide you along the adoption process and represent you if any issues come up. They will:

• Advise you about the process and how to qualify to adopt.

• Prepare all necessary paperwork and file it with the court.

• Provide thorough explanations to prepare you for the home study, court hearing, and post-placement evaluation.

• Advise and represent you if the biological parents contest the adoption petition or appeal the decision.

Call a Rockville, MD Adoption Attorney 

As exciting as the decision to adopt a child may be, it is also a legal process that can be complex and you may encounter potential issues along the way. An experienced Clarksburg, MD adoption lawyer can handle your case to ensure the adoption is handled properly. At Salvado Law Offices, our team has represented prospective parents in adoption proceedings and we are dedicated to protecting our clients’ interests. Call us at 301-933-1814 to schedule a consultation.