FAMILY LAW FAQ
Glossary of Adoption Terms

When embarking on the adoption process, it may help to understand
the terminology that is used. The following are definitions for many
commonly used adoption words and phrases.

Adoption. A legally recognized process that creates a parent-child
relationship between individuals who usually are not biologically
related to each other.

Adoption agency. An agency licensed in the state in which it
operates that prepares adoptive parents, counsels birth parents,
performs home studies, completes paperwork, places children in
homes, and performs other adoption-related functions.

Adoption agreement. The agreement in which the adoptive
parent(s) and birth parent(s) set forth their understanding as to the
degree of communication and contact they will have.

Adoption plan. The birth parents' decision to allow their biological
child to be adopted into and grow up in an adoptive family.

Adoption attorney. A lawyer experienced in working with birth
parents and adoptive parents to match them, counsel them, prepare
all necessary legal documents, represent them in court, and perform
other adoption-related functions.

Adoption triangle or adoption triad. An expression for the three-
sided inter-relationships among adoptees, their birth parents, and
their adoptive parents.

Adoptive parent. The mother or father of an adopted child.

Apostille. A certification from the Secretary of State's office
verifying the authenticity of a document's notarization.

At-risk placement. The placement of a child into the prospective
adoptive family before the birth parents' rights have been legally
extinguished.

Birth parent. A mother or father who is genetically related to the
child.

Certified copy. A copy of an official document, like a birth
certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, that has been
certified by an official to be authentic and bears an original seal or
embossed design.

Confidential adoption or closed adoption. An adoption in which the
birth parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s) do not meet, exchange
identifying information, or maintain contact with each other.

Designated adoption or identified adoption. An adoption in which
the birth parent(s) choose(s) the adoptive parent(s) for the child.

Domestic adoption. The adoption of a child born in the United
States.

Dossier. A collection of required documents that is sent to a foreign
country in order to process the adoption in that country's legal
system.

Facilitator. A person, such as a lawyer, or an organization that
arranges domestic and/or international adoptions.

Finalization. The legal process by which the adoption becomes
permanent and binding.

Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. A multinational
agreement designed to promote the uniformity and efficiency of
international adoptions. The U.S. is in the process of implementing
regulations conforming to the treaty.

Home study. A study of the prospective adoptive family and their
home, life experiences, health, lifestyle, extended family, attitudes,
support system, values, beliefs, and other factors relating to the
prospective adoption, all of which is summarized in an adoption study
or home study report.

Independent adoption. An adoption arranged privately, without an
adoption agency, between the birth family and the adoptive family,
often with the assistance of a lawyer.

Intercountry or international adoption. The adoption of a child
from a country outside of the United States.

Non-identifying information. Information that allows the birth and
adoptive families to learn pertinent facts about each other without
revealing who they are or how they can be contacted.

Open adoption or cooperative adoption. An adoption in which the
birth parents and adoptive parents have contact with each other
before and/or after the placement of the adopted child.

Post-placement services. A variety of services provided after the
adoption is finalized, including counseling, social services, and
adoptive family events and outings.

Special needs child. A child with medical, mental, emotional,
behavioral, or educational needs that could require extra on-going
attention.

Termination of parental rights. The process by which a parent's
rights to his or her child are legally and permanently terminated, after
which the child becomes eligible for adoption.

U.S. Customs and Immigration Service. An agency (formerly
I.N.S.) of the federal government that approves an adopted child's
immigration into the United States and grants U.S. citizenship to
children adopted from other countries.

Waiting child. A child currently available for adoption. Waiting
children may be in the U.S. foster care system, be older, or be special
needs children.

Copyright © 1994-2006 FindLaw, a Thomson business
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are
intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed
as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal
matter.

A Houston family law attorney serving south east Texas  communities such as Sugar Land, Katy, Conroe, Richmond,
Rosenberg, Bellaire,  Angleton, Texas City, Pearland, Pasadena, Deer Park, League City, The  Woodlands, Kingwood,
Channelview, La Porte, Alvin, Missouri City, Friendswood,  Lake Jackson, Baytown, and Clear Lake

Harris County - Fort Bend   County - Montgomery   County - Brazoria   County

Home | Firm Overview | Family Law Overview | Attorney Profile | Resource Links | Contact Us
          ©2008 by Frank E. Mann, Attorney and Counselor at Law. All rights reserved. Disclaimer | Site Map