Many families are opting for private placement adoptions. It is a comparatively easier adoption processes and can reduce some of the problems that a normal adoption process may have. Many times families face legal issues when they try to adopt on their own. Below are top 5 questions that have been asked by people about private placement adoption.

How can one adopt a relative's child legally?
Children are adopted within the family for many reasons. Though, the situations may be different, the most common reason is to keep the child within the family and not send it to foster care. Many people do not know what the process for the same is. Generally, the first step in this direction is to petition the court to cancel the parental rights of the biological parents and provide permission for private placement adoption. Once this is done, a home study is conducted by the court and a hearing date will be set to finalize the adoption.

Can one adopt the children of one's step-child?
In order to adopt one's step child's baby, the individual may have to first request the court to cancel the biological parent's rights and provide permission for an inter family private placement adoption. Once this is done, a home study of the family is conducted and the adoption is finalized.

Can the result of a home study be affected by a false accusation against the family?
In the above situation, the agency may not be obligated to complete the home study or continue with the adoption process. One may opt of private placement adoption and hire a lawyer and a new agency for the same.

Is the consent of the mother required to get custody of a child that has been left with an individual?
Some situations may arise when an individual who has a child left in his/her care may require custodial rights towards the child. Things like a hospital visit and school admission may require either the biological parent's signature or the custodial parent's signature. Many times, parents may leave the child with friends or relatives and not return for a long time. In such situations, people apply for custody of the child so that they can provide proper care. It can be difficult to get custody without the consent of the parents. At times, the child may be sent to foster care till the issue is resolved. One may convince the parents to opt for private placement adoption in such situations. If they do not agree, one may ask the parent's for an educational power of attorney. This will give one the rights to put the child in a school and meet the teachers. Similarly, the parents can give a medical power of attorney for the child's medical care. The forms for the power of attorney can be obtained at a local office supply store.

Can one adopt his/her partner's child without being married?
Many times there are people who live together for many years and do not get married. In such situations, one may want to adopt his/her partner's child. One may, in such situations, opt for private placement adoption or second parent adoption. For this, one may have to hire an attorney who deals with adoptions. The attorney may petition the court and set up their home study.

Usually, a step-parent adoption may be less expensive than a private placement adoption. Once the petition is filed, the court may conduct a home study on the family that wants to adopt. In some cases, this may be waived depending on the assessment of the court. Once that is done there will be a hearing to finalize the adoption.

One may ask a family lawyer if one needs more information about private placement adoption.