INTRAFAMILY ADOPTIONS

ADOPTION OR GUARDIANSHIP

Which one is right for me?

Shared Beginnings ca provide you information about the process for an intrafamily adoption and connect you with local ethical attorneys to complete the process. If a Home Study is needed they can assist you in completing that extensive process. Review below some of the options you may have.

Guardianship

A guardian is a person who may make personal care decisions on behalf of a child.

Guardianship

Temporary or Permanent guardianship can be revoked at any time by biological parents. Temporary guardianship is only good for 90 days but can be renewed. Can be filed without an attorney. Allows ability seek medical care, make decisions in school, etc. MUST BE filed with the court to be valid. Guardianship can also be revoked by birth parents.

Both

Guardianship and Adoption, a mix of both.

Both

Occasionally guardianship may need to be filed first if a biological parent cannot be reached. Both guardianship and adoption grant the child's guardians the ability to make medical and school decisions for the child.

Adoption

Transference of parental rights from the biological parents to the adopted ones.

Adoption

MUST be filed with an attorney. Permanency in transition of parental rights to adoptive parents including allowing adoptive parents to change the child's name. Allows the ability seek medical care, make decisions in school, etc. Home Study may be required IF relationship is outside the second degree (meaning the family relationship to the child is some thing besides a grandchild, sibling, or niece/nephew). This can be determined by the attorney or judge.

DOCUMENTS & COSTS

Scholarship information available based on need.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

  • Both Adoptive parents photo ID
  • Adoptive parents Marriage license

HELPFUL DOCUMENTS

  • Biological parents photo ID
  • Child’s Original Birth Certificate
  • Lease Agreement of Adoptive Parents or Utility Bill to prove residency

COST

  • $185 filing fee
  • $27.50 birth certificate fee
  • $500 lawyer fee
  • $800 home study fee (if needed)
  • $500 agency administrative fee
  • Federal adoption tax credit available to cover all fees listed above. Complete IRS Form 8839

If you prefer, contact Lomalinda Polin 

 lomalinda@sharedbeginnings.org or call (479) 379- 9319