Chicago, IL LGBTQ+ Adoption Attorney

Compassionate LGBTQ+ Adoption Lawyer for Clients in Chicago, Illinois

Many LGBTQ+ couples who want to become parents turn to adoption. However, this process can be very complicated, and same-sex couples may have concerns about how their orientation or identity may affect their adoption petition. A Chicago, Illinois LGBTQ+ adoption attorney can guide you through your case and help you follow all of the correct steps.

At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we are proud to represent LGBTQ+ clients in adoption petitions. You can rely on our firm to stand up for your rights, advocating for you in front of adoption authorities. Attorney Timothy Cameron is an experienced family law attorney, so you can rest easy knowing that your case will be handled by a skilled legal professional.

Second Parent Adoptions for LGBTQ+ Couples in Chicago

When a child is born to a married husband and wife, parentage is established at birth. In LGBTQ+ relationships where one parent may not be biologically related to the child, the non-biological may have to establish parentage through a second-parent adoption. This ensures that the non-biological parent will still have rights to the child if something happens to the biological parent.

To move forward with a second-parent adoption in Illinois, you will have to assemble several pieces of important documentation, including the child's birth certificate and your ID. Before the adoption can be approved, a court hearing will be held to confirm that the adoption is in the child's best interests.

At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we can help you prepare for a second parent adoption, guiding you through each step to minimize the stress involved with the process.

Is a Home Study Required for My Adoption?

In many adoptions, including second parent adoptions, the parents will be required to participate in a home study. This is essentially a formal investigation by adoption authorities to ensure that the child is placed in a good home. The process may take months to finalize, conducted across multiple visits and interviews.

The home study will usually be carried out by the Department of Children and Family Services or another authority who has been approved by the court. A social worker will interview the prospective parents to get an idea of their background, parenting style, and employment history. The social worker will also examine the home to make sure that the environment is suitable for the child.

Our attorney can provide you with guidance and counsel during the home study process to help you make a positive impression on adoption authorities.

Possible Barriers to Adoption in Illinois

In Illinois, you cannot be discriminated against in the adoption process simply for belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. That being said, some people may still have internal biases that can affect your petition for adoption. At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we can stand up for you in your petition to make sure that you are treated fairly.

There are other issues that may affect your petition for adoption. If you have a violent criminal history, it could be held against you in the final hearing for the adoption. You might also be barred from adoption if you have a legal disability aside from blindness. At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we can review your case and discuss a strategy to potentially overcome these obstacles.

Contact a Chicago LGBTQ+ Adoption Lawyer

Adoption is a wonderful way to join a family into a happy household. At Cameron Law Center, LLC, our lawyer can provide LGBTQ+ families with legal advice and representation to facilitate the adoption process, working toward the best possible outcome for the parents and child.

We are ready to start working on your case. To schedule a free consultation with our Chicago, IL LGBTQ+ adoption attorney today, call our offices at 312-489-8638 or reach out to us online.