There are many couples in Illinois who are not able to have children of their own. Some are physically unable for various reasons, others are same-sex couples and some families really want to help children in need. Others adopt children because they are concerned with another family member’s care of the child, or they marry the child’s parent. Whatever the reason, adoption is an area of family law that tends to be more of a joyous time as opposed to the battles that take place in other areas of family law, such as divorces and custody disputes.
This was especially true for two children who found themselves being passed from foster home to foster home. The two children said that they moved five times before finally being adopted by their current parents, who are a same-sex couple. The children’s two dads show them the love they never had in the foster homes and they are very grateful that they were adopted by them. They have been a family since 2007. The family was recently able to celebrate the fathers’ wedding in Illinois as the legislation legalizing same-sex marriage went into effect on June 1.
There are many types of adoptions, including same-sex adoptions, step-parent adoptions, adoptions through agencies and even adult adoptions. There are different reasons for each kind of adoption and different rules for each type. The adoption process can seem complicated and overwhelming at times, but for many parents and children it is well worth the time and effort.
There are many adoptions that occur every year in Illinois. These tend to be happy occasions that unite parents and children. However, there are legal procedures that must be followed to finalize an adoption, and understanding these legal procedures is important to help ensure a smooth process during the adoption and help unite a loving family.
Source: The Daily Herald, “Foster kids finally find love, family with their two dads” Burt Constable, June 22, 2014