Anytime you add a new member to the family, it changes the existing dynamics permanently. Though the changes are typically positive, adjusting to them takes time. If you already have children, they may have mixed feelings about the addition of an adopted sibling....
Who Puts Family First
Adoptions
What roadblocks could occur in an adoption?
Adopting a child is a huge undertaking. It is also a massive legal process that could have some challenges along the way. Common issues are when there is another person blocking your ability to adopt. FindLaw notes that such problems with adoption can occur at any...
What is the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network?
If you are thinking about adopting a child, the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network may be an option for you. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services explains SWAN is for children that may be harder to find adopting families due to various factors. Some...
Consider these factors before adopting grandchildren
Your adult children may be unable to care for their own children for various reasons. In this situation, it could be necessary to adopt your grandchildren. The Pennsylvania Legislature says that you can initiate adoption proceedings under several circumstances. Your...
What to expect during a Pennsylvania adoption home study
Before you may move forward with adopting a child in Pennsylvania, you must complete an adoptive family profile, which some call a “home study.” During the home study, an adoption agency worker takes at least one trip to your home with two main goals in mind. First,...
Facts about qualified adoption expenses
If you've been considering adopting a child or a disabled person in Pennsylvania, there are some things you need to be familiar with, including qualified adoption expenses, the adoption credit and the resulting tax savings. Understanding them can make the process...
Navigating the process of stepparent adoption
Adoption is the process of becoming the legal guardian of a child. There are varying types of adoption in Pennsylvania, and each type of adoption has its own procedures and complexities. Stepparent adoption is a fairly common process. A stepparent adoption occurs when...
Adoption assistance and services available to qualifying children
If you're a resident of Pennsylvania who is considering adopting a child, you may be able to qualify for support and service assistance. You should make sure you meet all the criteria required to seek these forms of assistance. What is adoption assistance? Individuals...
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Adoption Assistance program
Pennsylvania residents who are looking to adopt a child have many choices ahead of them. One program that the state offers is Adoption Assistance. Understanding what this program is and who is eligible can assist you in making the right decisions regarding the...
What does the adoption process look like?
To adopt a child in Pennsylvania, you'll have to go through a series of steps. The adoption process can be time-consuming, but it gives agencies the chance to make sure that they're sending children to loving homes. An attorney may help you through this complicated...