Skilled Adoption Attorney in Cranston, RI

Guiding families through the exciting process of adopting a child

Adopting a child is a momentous and exciting event. Many challenges are involved, however, in welcoming your new family member. Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law has 30 years of experience in family law issues. We advise you about your adoption options and guide you through each step of the process.

Your parental rights

Adoption creates a parent/child relationship and confers on the adopted child all the rights of a natural child -- including inheritance, government benefits and immigration. You accept all of the rights and responsibilities as the child's parent and have the authority to make childrearing decisions.

Adoption procedures

Adoption procedures may differ depending on whether the child is adopted through the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Family (DCYF), the Massachusetts Department of Children and Family (DCF), a private adoption agency, a relative or other private party. You may even have an established relationship with the child as a stepparent, foster parent or through a legal guardianship arrangement. Unless their rights were formally terminated by the court, the biological parents must agree to forfeit their roles as parents to the child. Our team ensures that your parental rights are not challenged at a later date -- including questions of paternity by an unnamed or absent father.

Preparing for your home study

After initiating the adoption process by submitting a petition, you may be asked to undergo a home study. At the conclusion, a report is generated that evaluates various factors, including:

  • Parental suitability
  • Home situation
  • Relationship status
  • Relationship with other siblings and household members
  • General health of the adoptive parents
  • Parental fitness

Our East Greenwich adoption lawyer helps you prepare for this important home study so you can feel confident and secure during the assessment. And we provide compassionate, supportive guidance throughout the process of expanding your family.

Learn more from our adoption firm serving North Kingstown, Warwick, East Greenwich and Coventry

Consult an experienced East Greenwich attorney about adoption. Call Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.