Guardianship And Adoption Legal Services In Rockville, Maryland
Last updated on April 8, 2025
Guardianship and adoption cases can be life-changing and beneficial for all involved, but they can also be highly complex. A person’s very rights hang in the balance. When someone is going through this process for the first time, whether in establishing a guardianship or moving through an adoption, they must know what steps to take.
You will find an attorney who can help here at Stuart Skok Law LLC. She is committed to supporting families, leveraging her 30 years of legal experience. Her extensive experience in family law helps her quickly address concerns, solve disputes and offer legal guidance. Stuart has been recognized numerous times for her legal ability – she has been listed as one of The Best Lawyers in America. Call now for a consultation with her Maryland office or her remote office in Colorado.
Understanding Guardianship In Maryland
In Maryland, guardianship is a legal arrangement in which one person – the guardian – is put in control of another. The guardian has the legal ability to make medical decisions on that person’s behalf or access their financial accounts.
For instance, an estate plan may be used to set up a guardianship if a child’s parents pass away while they are still a minor. The guardian takes on a parental role until they come of age. Additionally, a guardianship can be used for an adult who is dealing with mental health issues or cognitive decline, such as that caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
Adoption Services The Firm Provides
There are many different types of adoption available in Maryland. The following are the most common examples:
- Agency adoption
- Independent adoption
- Domestic adoption
- International adoption
- Stepparent adoption
- Relative adoption (such as a grandparent)
- Foster care adoption
The first step to an adoption is typically going to the circuit court and filing an adoption petition. A background check will likely be required for prospective parents, along with a home study to determine if the living situation is safe and healthy for the child. Various fees must be paid.
Additionally, proper steps need to be taken to ensure that the birth parent has given up their parental rights so that the adoption can proceed. The agreement can also specify if this is an open or closed adoption, determining if there will be future contact.
Call Now For A Consultation
If you would like to set up an adoption consultation with an experienced attorney, just use the online form or dial 301-850-7716 today.
