Adoption is a process that can require both time and patience. In handling an adoption case, the family lawyer guides the client through the different types of adoptions, identify and determine the applicable laws for a particular adoption, to ensure they can legally finalize the adoption in a proper jurisdiction.

The Adoption Law Handbook, now completely updated, is a concise, accessible resource that explains all aspects of handling an adoption case. Jennifer Fairfax, an experienced family lawyer whose practice is focused on adoption and reproduction law, provides the fundamentals of the process, in-depth information on specific topics, advice on client intake and consultations, practical guidance for each step in the legal process, and an array of sample forms. For ease of reference, each chapter concludes with valuable summary points.

The primary types of adoption are covered: domestic private/independent adoptions, domestic agency adoptions, and international adoptions. It spans the full range of legal issues impacting each type of adoption, including Hague, ICPC, ICWA, special needs adoptions and how to get the client from intake to finalization. The author also covers critical aspects of each type of adoption, differences in approaches and emerging laws on adoption, and discussion of the law involving gay and lesbian parents.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Adoption Overview
Chapter 2: Client Intake, Advice, and Consultations
Chapter 3: Home Study
Chapter 4: Domestic Private Agency Adoption
Chapter 5: Public Agency Adoptions
Chapter 6: Independent Adoption
Chapter 7: Interstate Compact on Placement of Children
Chapter 8: Biological Fathers
Chapter 9: Consent, Relinquishment, and Termination of Parental Rights
Chapter 10: Second-Parent and Co-Parent Adoptions
Chapter 11: Post-Adoption Contact Agreements
Chapter 12: Indian Child Welfare Act
Chapter 13: Stepparent Adoptions
Chapter 14: Cost and Financing
Chapter 15: Adult Adoption
Chapter 16: Open Adoption Records
Chapter 17: Disruption
Chapter 18: Failure of Disclosure and Tort of Wrongful Adoption
Chapter 19: Intercountry or International Adoption
Appendices A through L
Internet and Adoption Resources
The Adoption Lawyer’s Library
Recommended Reading for Clients
Index