Make Your Adoption Legally Secure
Adoption isn’t just a legal process: it’s a life-changing commitment. Whether you're a stepparent wanting to formalize your role, a grandparent stepping in to raise a child, or a couple working with an agency, Illinois law requires strict procedures to ensure the adoption is valid, final, and in the child’s best interests.
Types of Adoptions in Illinois
✅ Stepparent Adoption
One of the most common types of adoption
Allows a stepparent to become the child’s legal parent
Often involves termination of the other biological parent’s rights, either voluntarily or through court petition
Gives the child inheritance rights, new birth certificate, and a formal legal bond
✅ Related Adoption
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or adult siblings adopting a child in the family
Often used when parents are deceased, incarcerated, or unfit
In some cases, DCFS involvement or guardianship may precede the adoption
✅ Agency Adoption
Involves a child placed through a licensed adoption agency
May be open (with contact) or closed (no contact with birth parents)
Requires background checks, home studies, and court approval
We coordinate with the agency to ensure a smooth legal process
✅ Private / Independent Adoption
Arranged directly between birth parents and adoptive parents
Often involves newborns, but can also include older children
Requires strict legal compliance and formal consent processes
We handle all legal filings, consents, and court appearances
✅ DCFS / Foster Care Adoption
Adoption of a child previously in foster care
Involves working with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
Often follows termination of parental rights due to abuse or neglect
We help foster families finalize permanent placements
The Illinois Adoption Process
Adoption in Illinois includes several important steps:
Filing a Petition for Adoption in the appropriate county
Obtaining consents from the biological parents (or terminating parental rights)
Undergoing a home study, unless exempt
Background checks for all adult household members
Attending court hearings, where the judge evaluates the child’s best interests
Receiving a final judgment, legally recognizing the adoptive parent(s)
Once finalized, the child receives a new birth certificate listing the adoptive parents.
Termination of Parental Rights
In most cases, a child cannot be adopted unless the biological parents:
Voluntarily consent, or
Have their rights terminated by the Court
217 Law Attorneys
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Courtney Anderson
Courtney practices criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Never shy of a difficult or high-profile case, she has won numerous awards for her advocacy, including recently being selected as a finalist for top lawyer in Macon County.
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Fallon Conner
Fallon practices criminal defense and family law. As a former prosecutor, she has unique insight into the criminal justice system. She enjoys being in the courtroom and has a great track record of success in bench and jury trials.
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Zach Anderson
Zach focuses on helping injured clients with workers compensation, personal injury, and products liability claims. He has successfully resolved multiple single-party injury cases for over $1 million, and has helped recover millions for users of bad products.
We want to work with you.
Phone:
217-217-0217
Address:
132 S. Water St., Suite 628. Decatur, IL 62523
Email:
info@217law.com
Where We Work:
We help clients throughout the 217 area code with injury claims and general civil litigation. We practice criminal defense and family law in Macon and surrounding counties.
