- March 30, 2019
If you’re seeking to adopt a child in Greenville, SC, you will likely need to participate in a home study. The home study can be one of the longest parts of the adoption process. But it’s a necessary first step to make sure applicants are ready to assume the responsibilities of being parents. Here are some things a Greenville adoption attorney will tell you about the adoption home study that all prospective parents should know about.
The home study is required in private domestic and foster care adoptions in South Carolina. You probably will not be required to engage in a home study for a stepparent or relative adoption.
The home study acts as a sort of background check for individuals who are looking to adopt. It is intended to ensure the parents are emotionally, financially, and physically prepared for the challenges of adoption. A social worker will meet with you in Greenville, SC to go through this process with you. One of the objectives is to learn about your ability to parent and to provide a stable home. The social worker will also discuss the specifics of your adoption case with you.
Adoption means new experiences for both the child and the parents. An adoptive child in Greenville, SC will be coming from a different background than your own. Some children have unfortunately experienced hardships and unusual life situations. The home study will help prepare the adoptive parents to meet the challenges these circumstances may present.
There are several documents you will need to conduct the home study. Some of the documents may include but are not limited to the following:
- Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and other vital and legal records
- Financial information such as your most recent tax return
- Proof of life insurance and health insurance coverage
- A recent statement from your physician regarding your physical health
- Veterinarian records for any pets
- Letters of recommendation for adoption
Your Greenville adoption attorney can assist you with gathering these and other records.
During the home study, your social worker will ask questions to learn more about you and your family. Your background, faith, beliefs, motivations for adopting, and much more may come up. The worker will want to know how you intend to bring a new child into your family. You will also need to discuss your marriage and how you handle conflict in your family. Another issue is how you will talk to your child about adoption. There are many more questions, and your attorney will be able to prepare you to answer them.
In most cases, prospective parents can expect to meet with their social worker about 4-6 times. Once the home study is complete, your social worker will file a written report with his or her findings. You will receive notice of acceptance or denial within 30 days. You may contest the findings of the home study, and should speak to a Greenville adoption attorney to do so. Once your study is approved, you will be ready to adopt.
There are a couple of things you should keep in mind at this stage. First, the home study will be valid for only one year. You must complete a home study update if the child is not placed in your home in this time. Significant life changes, such as moving to a new home, may also require an update.
Second, you will need to complete a post-placement assessment after the child comes to live with you. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the child and parents are adjusting to the adoption. Information gathered during this evaluation will be used in your final adoption hearing.
Set Up a Consultation With a Greenville Adoption Attorney
As you begin the rewarding experience of adopting a child, you’ll likely have a lot of questions. A Greenville adoption attorney at Greenville Family Law have extensive experience with adoptions. They will walk you through the process and help you understand your legal rights and obligations. Contact us today to get started.
