An Overview of Adoption Law (On-Demand)

Course Description

The practice of adoption law is rewarding but tricky. Helping families to adopt is a very positive experience – but ensuring that the adoption goes smoothly and is done 100% properly so as not to ever be subject to challenge is absolutely critical. The “Baby Veronica” case decided by the United States Supreme Court is a prime example of how an adoption that goes wrong can result in enormous heartbreak as well as huge attorney fees and costs. This program is a basic course or primer on the legalities of adoption law but also includes some “war stories” on what can go wrong and how to troubleshoot. The program provides a general overview of adoption law using some Virginia based examples and includes an overview of the applicable federal statutes. In this practical webinar, you will learn….

Principles

• Why the home study is essential in most adoptions
• The various types of adoptions that exist and overall costs
• How to navigate interstate adoptions
• How to avoid ethical mishaps and conflicts of interest
• Applicable federal statutes
• How ongoing contact agreements work
• The processes for terminating parental rights

Upon course completion, you will be able to:

• Recognize the different types of adoptions
• Provide clients with guidance on adoption law including overall costs
• Know how parental rights can be terminated in adoptions
• Understand the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) and choice of law issues I interstate adoptions
• Draft ongoing contact agreements
• Identify when federal law might be involved
• Ethically represent your clients

Syllabus

1. The Home Study
2. Agency vs. Non-Agency Adoptions – Understanding the Fundamental Distinctions
3. Interstate Adoptions and Choice of Law
4. Special Types of Adoptions
5. Comparative Cost of Adoptions Depending on Type
6. The Termination of Parental Rights
7. Open Adoption and Ongoing Contact Agreements
8. Special Federal Laws Applicable to Adoptions
9. Foster Care Placements & The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (“ASFA”)