Key Takeaways
Expanding Your Family Through Adoption
By Julie Colin, Esq.
Adoption can be one of the most meaningful experiences in a family’s life. I’ve had the privilege of guiding clients through private adoptions in Maryland, and I often receive referrals from other attorneys who recognize the value of having a lawyer who truly understands the process. While adoption is a joyful milestone, it’s also a legal procedure that requires attention to detail and clear communication. Even in the smoothest cases, there are missteps that can slow things down, or derail the outcome altogether.
Here’s what I’ve learned from years of experience:
1. Don’t Underestimate the Paperwork
Adoption is 90% paperwork and timing. Every form must follow precise legal formatting and be filed on schedule. I often work with paralegals to manage the bulk of the documentation, but as the supervising attorney, I ensure that every detail complies with Maryland law. A minor error can result in delays or even a denial.
“Adoption law is rule-based. If you follow the form exactly, it works. But skipping a line or mislabeling a field can create real problems.”
2. Know the Type of Adoption You’re Pursuing
Whether you’re adopting a stepchild, going through a private placement, or considering adult adoption, each path has different legal requirements. If a birth parent’s rights need to be terminated, the process becomes more complex. Having a lawyer who’s familiar with each type can help you prepare in advance for what’s coming.
3. Be Ready for Emotional Dynamics
Even when all parties agree, adoption brings up intense emotions. I’ve worked on cases where adoptive parents feel nervous, birth parents feel conflicted, and extended family members have questions. One of the most important things I bring to my role is perspective and calm.
“Families refer me not just because I understand the law, but because I help them feel confident and supported through the process.”
4. Think Ahead: Estate Planning and Legal Protections
Once an adoption is finalized, your new family structure should be reflected in your legal documents. That includes wills, guardianship designations, and possibly changes to insurance or retirement plans. I often recommend that clients meet with an estate planning attorney to make sure everything is aligned.
5. Choose the Right Legal Team
Some families start the process through an agency or facilitator and only bring in an attorney at the end. But having legal support from the beginning helps prevent common errors and gives you a clearer path forward.
“Most of my adoption cases come from referrals. That speaks to the importance of trust. You want someone who knows what to expect and how to handle surprises.”
Final Thought
Adoption should be a celebration—not a source of confusion or delay. With the right guidance, your journey to grow your family can move forward with confidence and care. If you’re considering adoption in Maryland or New Jersey, I’d be honored to support you through the process.
Julie Colin, Esq., is a Maryland and New Jersey family law attorney with experience in private adoptions, custody matters, and complex family litigation. Known for her calm presence and attention to detail, she is often referred adoption cases by fellow attorneys who trust her to get it done right.
