Is There An Adoption Attorney In The Agency? If Not, What Legal Support Exists?

The agency's director is both an actively licensed and practicing attorney and clinical social worker. She does not represent either birth or adoptive families who are clients of the agency. The agency's attorney can finalize the adoption in Massachusetts without the adoptive family needing separate counsel. The cost of this is included in your fees. The agency files the finalization packet in court and asks the court to divest the agency of legal custody and to award full (legal and physical) custody to the adoptive family. If adoptive families wish to have separate legal advice or assistance, they are free to retain counsel at separate expense or the agency is happy to provide a list of experienced adoption attorneys convenient to you. An adoption attorney may help a family review policies and contracts as they consider working with an agency or other adoption professionals. An attorney may also help evaluate an adoption possibility, particularly legal risk aspects. An attorney ...  more