Transitioning From the Struggles of Infertility to Adoption

Overall, more than 7 million people in the U.S. experience infertility. If you’ve attempted fertility treatments without success, then you’ve likely had feelings of anger and grief; for most people, these feelings shift into acceptance. When this happens, you will be ready to begin the journey of adoption with an open mind and heart, and our NJ adoption lawyer can help you with the process.

National Infertility Awareness Week

National Infertility Awareness Week, which takes place every April, was created to increase awareness of an important issue. According to estimates, one in eight couples receives an infertility diagnosis. Many of these people get a new hope of raising a child by eventually transitioning into adoption.

How an Adoption Lawyer Can Help

An adoption lawyer will help you find an agency. He or she can also give you guidance if you are considering an independent adoption. In this case, an adoption lawyer will ready the required paperwork to ensure that you have a successful adoption. If court appearances are necessary, then your adoption lawyer will be there with you to help you through the entire process. When choosing legal representation, hire a law firm that understands New Jersey’s adoption requirements.

Finding out that your fertility treatments are ineffective can be an emotional experience that requires time to accept. Since adoption is a lengthy process, you may want to reach out to an adoption lawyer right away. It is likely that you will have the time to work through your emotional state before a child will be placed with you. If you are open to adopting a child with special needs, you can expect the process to take several months. The wait for a healthy infant could take two to seven years.

How Much Does It Cost?

When it comes to cost, the amount that you’ll pay is likely to be in the same realm as the cost of fertility treatments. These can be pricey, especially if you try multiple rounds of IVF or artificial insemination. The cost of foster care adoptions ranges from nothing to $2,500 while licensed private adoptions vary from $5,000 to $40,000 or more. Independent adoptions are from $8,000 to $40,000 or more, and facilitated adoptions run from $5,000 to $40,000 or more. If you go with an intercountry adoption, then you can expect to pay from $7,000 to $30,000.

Adoption lawyers charge an individual hourly rate, and some charge an advanced fee. Depending on the type of adoption, it is likely that you will pay several thousand dollars for the services of an adoption lawyer.

How to Choose an Adoption Lawyer

Since an adoption lawyer will help you grow your family, it is important to hire counsel who will be attentive to your needs at all times. Word of mouth can be a great way to find an attorney. You can also do a lot of research on the internet. Most states feature lawyer listings based on category. Make sure that you hire a lawyer who is licensed in your state.

When talking to potential adoption law firms, ask whether you’ll be working with the attorney directly or if a member of his or her staff will be handling the bulk of your case. Also, determine the hours that your attorney works and how he or she prefers to be in contact with you. For instance, will you mainly be emailing back and forth, or will your attorney be available for phone calls?

It’s also wise to seek out a local adoptive parent support group. Not only will a group like this help you deal with the emotional side of adoption, but it could also vouch for a law firm.

Getting Legal Help for Adoption

Our NJ adoption lawyer will be able to help you navigate the system efficiently and properly, making sure that everything is done the right way. At Cofsky & Zeidman, we have experience helping couples with adoption. Call our office in Haddonfield at (856) 429-5005 or our office in Woodbury at (856) 845-2555 today to schedule an appointment.