Kansas Adoption Finalization Guide

Post-Placement Visits, the Kansas Adoption Decree and Beyond

There’s a moment you’ve probably already begun to imagine. It’s the moment your child is placed in your arms for the first time. Videos like this go viral all across the internet — happy tears and overwhelmed smiles, true snapshots of love.

Placement is an amazing moment in the life of an adoptive parent. But, it may surprise you to learn that it is not the end of the Kansas adoption process. There’s one more step to go: Kansas adoption finalization.

What is Kansas adoption finalization? How does it work, and how can you make sure yours is successful? We’ve created this guide to answer those questions and more. And before we get into the details, the most important thing to know is who can help you successfully receive your Kansas adoption decree.

Kansas Adoption Finalization Professionals

Any hopeful parent will require assistance throughout the adoption process. Your first call and most-trusted confidant is your adoption agency. A full-service agency will be with you from start to finish, including during the post-placement process as you prepare for your Kansas adoption finalization.

Equally important is your adoption attorney. The adoption journey is a personal one, but it is also a legal process. Experienced legal representation is the best way to protect yourself and ensure a successful placement. Your attorney will help you meet all documentation filing deadlines and represent you at the finalization hearing.

Searching for the right attorney for your Kansas adoption finalization? There are several options available:

• Kevin W. Kenney, Attorney at Law
• Micheal J. Belfonte, P.C.
• Martin Pringle, Attorneys at Law

Are you still looking for an agency for your adoption in Kansas? If so, consider contacting one of the following agencies:

• American Adoptions
• Adoption & Beyond
• Zoe’s House
• Beacon House Adoptions
• Joseph Adoption Ministry

The Post-Placement Process

With the proper support and guidance, you’re ready to learn about the details of the post-placement process. It can seem odd that placement isn’t the end of your adoption journey. It’s such a big moment; it feels like it should be final. But, there are a few more things to do.

The most important part of the post-placement process on the way to Kansas adoption finalization is the post-placement visits. This series of visits is conducted by a social worker from a licensed home study provider. Oftentimes, this is the same home study provider that provided services earlier in the adoption process.

Similarly to the initial home study before placement, these visits will involve home visits from the social worker. They will be observing your family and your interaction with the new child to see how everyone is adjusting to life together. The social worker will also look for important safety measures in your home.

Once completed, the social worker will produce a report from these visits that will be read by the judge prior to your Kansas adoption finalization hearing.

Kansas Adoption Finalization

The whole process  — from your initial adoption plan, to placement, through post-placement visits — leads up to this moment: Kansas adoption finalization. Once your post-placement visits are complete, the big day will be almost here.

The Kansas adoption finalization hearing typically takes place about six months after placement. Most families go to a local county courthouse location for this day, although some hearings can be done without the presence of the family in the room.

At the Kansas adoption finalization hearing, a judge will review the post-placement visit report and all other required legal documents. This is one area where your attorney will be a huge support, as their job is to make sure all the documents are in the right place at the right time.

Once the judge is satisfied that the process has met all requirements in Kansas adoption law and that the placement is in the best interests of the child, they will issue your Kansas adoption decree, making your family legally, officially, final.

Congratulations! This is a moment that you will never forget. It is the end of your adoption journey and the beginning of your life as family — the fulfillment of the dream you’ve pursued for so long.

Things to Do After Kansas Adoption Finalization

First, celebrate! Take time to appreciate this moment. Don’t move on to what comes next without stopping to soak it all in. Then, when you’re ready, there are a few to-do items that are worth checking off your list.

One of the first things you may want to take care of is your child’s birth certificate. It’s common practice for adoptive parents to file for an amended birth certificate, which is something your agency or attorney can help you with.

Next, you’ll want to prepare for how you will fulfill your adoption communication plan. The majority of domestic infant adoptions are at least semi-open, and it’s never too early to start planning your communication.

Then, of course, there’s the never-ending journey of parenting. Kansas adoption finalization is the starting line for this lifelong marathon. Embrace it all — both the ups and the downs — because it will be an amazing journey.

Speak with a Kansas Adoption Professional Today

Kansas adoption finalization is one of the most technical parts of the process. It requires support from your specialist and your attorney. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the process or have questions about receiving your Kansas adoption decree, you can contact us today. We’ll connect you with a helpful professional.

Adoption can be challenging, but the moment you receive your Kansas adoption decree will make it all worth it. With the right information and professional support, you can successfully complete your adoption.