Adoption | Leffler, Bayoumi & Oliver, LLC

Building Families Through Adoption

At Leffler, Bayoumi & Oliver, LLC, we represent families throughout Maryland in independent, stepparent, and adult adoptions. We understand that adoption involves both complex legal requirements and deeply personal considerations. Our role is to provide clear guidance, careful preparation, and reliable advocacy at every step.

Adoption creates a permanent legal parent-child relationship, with the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. Whether you are adopting a spouse's child, completing a private placement, or formalizing an existing adult family relationship, the process requires strict compliance with Maryland law.

Our attorneys handle all aspects of adoption proceedings, including consent, termination of parental rights when necessary, court filings, hearings, and post-adoption documentation. We work to ensure that your adoption proceeds efficiently and withstands future legal challenges.

Types of Adoption We Handle

Stepparent Adoption

When a stepparent seeks to adopt their spouse's child, adoption provides long-term legal security and stability for the entire family. Stepparent adoption establishes a permanent legal parent-child relationship and strengthens the child's legal and emotional ties within the household.

Stepparent adoption may:

Establish a permanent legal parent-child relationship
Terminate the rights of the other biological parent when required
Require valid consent or proof of legal grounds for termination
Simplify inheritance, medical, and educational decision-making
Provide lasting emotional and legal permanence for the child

Our attorneys guide clients through the consent, termination, and court approval process to ensure the adoption is properly completed and protected from future challenge.

Private (Independent) Adoption

Independent adoptions are arranged directly between birth parents and adoptive parents, without the involvement of an adoption agency. These adoptions require strict compliance with Maryland statutory requirements and careful legal oversight.

Independent adoptions may:

Require court approval and full statutory compliance
Involve detailed consent and disclosure requirements
Require a home study in most cases
Involve interstate placement and ICPC coordination
Demand careful documentation to prevent future disputes

Our attorneys ensure that all legal requirements are satisfied and that your adoption is properly documented, approved, and finalized.

Adult Adoption

Independent adoptions may:

Require court approval and full statutory compliance
Involve detailed consent and disclosure requirements
Require a home study in most cases
Involve interstate placement and ICPC coordination
Demand careful documentation to prevent future disputes

Our attorneys ensure that all legal requirements are satisfied and that your adoption is properly documented, approved, and finalized.

Interstate Adoption

When a child is placed across state lines, the adoption is governed by the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). This process requires approval from both the sending and receiving states before placement and finalization may occur.

Interstate adoptions involve:

Compliance with ICPC regulations
Coordination with multiple state agencies
Additional documentation and approval requirements
Potential delays if filings are incomplete

Our attorneys manage ICPC compliance and coordinate with out-of-state agencies to ensure timely and lawful placement.

LGBTQ+ Adoption

Maryland permits same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals to adopt. We proudly serve all families seeking to grow through adoption.

Embryo Adoption

Embryo adoption allows intended parents to adopt unused frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilization and carry the pregnancy themselves. This process combines elements of adoption, reproductive law, and contract law.

Embryo adoption involves:

Detailed donor and recipient agreements
Consent and relinquishment documentation
Coordination with fertility clinics
Parentage and birth certificate determinations
Compliance with state and federal regulations

Our attorneys ensure that embryo adoption arrangements are properly structured and legally enforceable, protecting the rights of all parties and establishing clear legal parentage.

The Adoption Process

While each adoption is unique, the general process includes:

1. Initial Consultation

Discuss your situation and goals
Determine the type of adoption
Understand requirements and timeline
Address any potential complications

2. Home Study

Required for most adoptions, the home study includes:

Background checks
Home visits by social worker
Interviews with all household members
Review of finances, health, and references
Assessment of parenting readiness

3. Consent or Termination

Birth parents' consent must be obtained
Consent cannot be given until after birth
If consent is refused, termination of parental rights may be sought
Unknown fathers require specific notice procedures

4. Petition and Hearing

File adoption petition with the court
Attend adoption hearing
Judge reviews all documentation
Final decree of adoption issued

5. Post-Adoption

New birth certificate issued
Update child's Social Security records
Child has full legal rights as your child

Consent Requirements

Adoption typically requires consent from:

Each living parent
The child, if over a certain age
The agency, if involved
The child's current legal guardian

Termination of Parental Rights

Before adoption can occur, the biological parent's rights must end through:

Voluntary consent: Parent agrees to adoption
Involuntary termination: Court finds grounds to terminate

Grounds for involuntary termination include abandonment, abuse, neglect, and unfitness.

Our Adoption Services

At Leffler, Bayoumi & Oliver, LLC, we assist with:

Stepparent and relative adoptions
Private domestic adoptions
Agency coordination and legal representation
Termination of parental rights
Contested adoption matters
Adult adoption
Post-adoption name changes

Adoption Attorneys