Adoption Law Overview & Primer: A Federal and State Perspective

Adoptions are a delicate and sensitive issue, even without all of the legal problems that may arise if they become contested. Join Attorney Colleen Quinn as she illuminates both the Federal and State laws (using Virginia as an example) surrounding the adoption process.  

She begins with an examination of the home study, why it is important to pass it and also when it is required in the adoption process. Ms. Quinn then continues with a discussion of the difference between agency versus private or parental adoptions, and how international adoptions fit in.  

As Ms. Quinn explains in the presentation, even conducting a domestic adoption agency can be tricky when the adoption crosses state lines and involves interstate issues. She also discusses the different types of specialized adoptions as well as how consent and revocation periods and putative father registries work.  

In addition, Ms. Quinn briefly covers the costs of adoption, on-going contact agreements and pertinent federal laws, including the complications of the Indian Child Welfare Act. Finally, Quinn addresses practical concerns throughout and shares “war stories” to illustrate the importance of tightly adhering to legal requirements.

Learning Objectives:

I.      Understand the  Home Study

II.     Grasp Agency v. Non-Agency Adoptions

III.    Recognize special types of adoptions

IV.    Know comparative costs

V.     Examine termination of parental right issues and ongoing contracts

VI.    Comprehend pertinent Federal laws