One of the most satisfying aspects of our job is to be a part of the adoption of a child by a loving family. At Kellogg & Palzer, P.C., we have handled hundreds of adoptions: step-parent adoptions, private adoptions, agency and international adoptions.
In most agency adoptions, the services of an attorney are not needed until the child has been in the home for six months (the jurisdictional requirement in Nebraska). However, many of our clients contact us prior to that time so we can begin preparing the necessary paperwork and securing all the appropriate agency releases and background checks. In cases involving private adoptions, especially interstate adoptions, it is helpful to have an attorney with you at each step of the process, as it is important to have the necessary releases and consents before the child comes into your home.
Often we are contacted by parents looking to adopt, or by women who are looking to put a child up for adoption, with the hope that we can place the two together. Nebraska law prohibits any third party, except a licensed adoption agency, from facilitating an adoption placement. We welcome contact from all individuals who have questions about adoption, but with the understanding that our law firm does not engage in actual placement facilitation.
If you have questions about adoption, or if you are planning to adopt and have reached the stage in the process where you need an attorney, please feel free to contact our office and schedule an appointment.
Useful Adoption Links:
Nebraska Adoption Agencies Association Nebraska Health & Human Services Adoption Page