Representing Families Who Want to Adopt
Adopting a child is both an emotional and legal process. At the law firm of Andrew A. Bokser, Attorney at Law, we will guide you through the legal process so you can concentrate on the emotional process of adopting a child.
Attorney Andrew A. Bokser represents parents in stepparent, relative, foster parent and private adoptions in New York. With offices in Brooklyn and Garden City, he represents parents throughout the New York City area, including Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Stepparent, Relative and Foster Parent Adoptions
Before a stepparent, relative or foster parent can adopt a child, the child must be free for adoption. There are three ways this can happen:
- The biological parent is dead (or both parents, in a relative or foster parent adoption)
- The biological parent(s) has signed a legal surrender agreement in or out of court
- The court terminates the biological parent's (or parents') rights because of neglect, abuse or abandonment
The adoptive parent will need to go through a home study, a background check (including a criminal background check), and a drug and alcohol screening before the court will approve the adoption. A child over age 14 can refuse an adoption in New York.
Adopting a child gives you the same rights as a biological parent. In New York, there is no legal distinction between an adoptive parent and a biological parent.
Private Adoptions
In New York, adoptive parents cannot pay for babies. However, they can pay for the mother's medical expenses, room and board, and attorney fees.
Both the mother and father must surrender their parental rights before a child can be adopted privately.
Discuss Adoption with Family Lawyer Andrew A. Bokser
To discuss the facts of your adoption case with attorney Andrew A. Bokser at our Brooklyn or Garden City law office, call 718-834-1904 or fill out our contact form. Evening appointments are available.
