Adoption Lawyers Toronto

There are many reasons someone may be looking into the process of adoption. For biological parents who aren’t prepared for the responsibility of raising a child, adoption can be a way to ensure that their children get the lives they deserve.

For those unable to have biological children–or who wish to grow their families through adoption–becoming adoptive parents is a special journey. However, it’s also one that is time-consuming, emotional, and sometimes difficult to understand.

There are many steps and stages involved in the adoption process, and until everything is finalized by the Ontario family courts, it’s possible for things to go awry. When you have a family lawyer, you can know what to expect, be prepared for hiccups in the process, and already have representation to help you through any issues that may arise.

If you are interested in the process of adoption, our family law firm can help. We have Ontario adoption lawyers that have experience with all kinds of adoption cases. Call our law firm to schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers to discuss your situation and how our services may be a good fit.

How Does the Adoption Process Work?

The basic process of adoption is that adoptive parents go through the legal processes to be named the legal parents and guardians of the biological parents’ child. However, the exact process depends on whether it is a public adoption through the children’s aid society or through a private adoption agency.

In Ontario, public adoptions go through the Children’s Aid Society. The adoptive parents contact the Children’s Aid Society to start the process, be vetted, and start looking at available children.

If a match is found, the adoption proceeds through the courts to become legalized. Private adoptions go through adoption agencies. These agencies often work with biological parents who wish to put their child up for adoption.

Adoptions through either of these avenues require the party who is relinquishing legal parentage to provide written consent, and the adoption can be open or closed depending on what the parties agree on. Every adoption is unique, and the age of the child also often factors into the exact process and timeline.

Who is Involved in the Adoption, and What Are Their Roles?

The legal process of adoption can involve several parties depending on the circumstances. Below, you can find the common parties to adoption and what each entity is responsible for.

Birth Parent

The birth parent or parents play a critical role in the adoption process, unless their parental rights have been terminated. In these cases, the birth parents must agree to the adoption and legally relinquish their rights. This step is necessary to allow the child to be legally adopted by another family. If the birth parents are unable to consent, the court may become involved to make a determination based on the child’s best interests. The process ensures that the child has a permanent, legally recognized family.

Birth Parent’s Family

In some cases, the biological family of the birth parents may also be involved in the adoption process. If the birth parents’ rights have been terminated, a family member might have legal guardianship over the child. Sometimes, a family member may even become the adoptive parent. However, in other situations, family members are not directly involved in the adoption but provide emotional or logistical support to both the adoptive and birth families during the process. This involvement can provide a sense of continuity for the child.

Adoptive Parent

Adoptive parents are key players in the adoption process. Once the adoption is finalized, they become the child’s full legal parents, with the same rights and responsibilities as if the child had been born to them. Adoptive parents typically undergo a thorough vetting process to ensure they are suitable for raising a child. After finalization, they are legally recognized as the child’s parents and take on the full responsibility for the child’s well-being, education, and future.

Adoption Agencies

Adoption agencies, such as private agencies or the Children’s Aid Society, are often involved in the adoption process. They play an essential role in connecting children with prospective adoptive families. Caseworkers from these agencies assess the suitability of potential adoptive parents, offer counseling, and facilitate the legal steps of adoption. They ensure that the process proceeds smoothly and that the best interests of the child are considered. Adoption agencies act as intermediaries, helping guide families through both the emotional and procedural aspects of adoption.

Step-Parents

Step-parents can play a unique role in the adoption process. If the child’s biological parent has remarried and the step-parent wishes to adopt the child, they may be involved in the legal proceedings. In some cases, step-parents can adopt their spouse’s child if the biological parent’s rights have been terminated or if the biological parent consents. Step-parents may also have a key role in supporting the child emotionally and legally as the adoption process unfolds. This type of adoption may strengthen family bonds and provide the child with additional parental support and stability.

Ontario Adoption Lawyers

Ontario adoption lawyers provide the legal service of representing parties during the adoption process. An adoption lawyer may represent the adoptive parents, the birth parent, or the biological family, and they are also sometimes retained by the adoption agency itself.

How Much Does Adoption Cost in Toronto?

How much adoption costs depend on the method of adoption and the individual circumstances. Private adoption agencies have fees that can vary widely, and public adoptions are free to adoptive parents. However, even with public adoption, there may be some costs incurred through lawyer fees and other court costs going through the legal process of changing the child’s name.

If there are any legal issues that present themselves during an adoption, such as a family member protesting or a biological parent wanting the child back after the adoption is already underway, the legal fees can be more.

How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Child in Ontario?

Adoption is a lengthy complicated process. You first have to apply to be an adoptive parent with the Children’s Legal Aid Society or a private adoption agency. This process can include personal interviews, interviews with friends and family, home studies, and classes that you have to complete.

Once you are cleared to be an adoptive parent, there is also the process of waiting to find a child that is a good match for your family.

In general, it’s expected that the full adoption process can take anywhere from several means to a few years. If you have questions about the potential timeline of your case, talking with an adoption lawyer can help you get more accurate expectations.

Hire Our Adoption Lawyers Toronto

We know that adoption can be a difficult process, and it’s normal to be worried about what might happen or how you will handle it if there is an issue. Our adoption lawyers have the knowledge and experience to handle any aspect of your adoption case, from the first consultation to the final hearing.

To get more information about where the adoption process fits into family law and how our experienced adoption lawyer may be able to help in your case, call 647-933-2397. We serve clients in the Toronto area and beyond and are ready to take on your adoption case.