Adoption is the legal process by which a person becomes the legal parent of an existing child. Adoption laws vary widely by state.
Adopting can cover a wide range of circumstances, from international adoptions to private adoptions. A grandparent, relative or stepparent may adopt a child under a variety of circumstances.
Adoption can be a long, complicated, an expensive legal process. A local adoption attorney in Bernalillo County, New Mexico focused on family law cases can help the aspiring parents through the process, including dealing with adoption agencies.