When it comes to caring for a child who is not biologically yours, two legal options are commonly on the mind, which are guardianship and adoption. While both arrangements involve taking responsibility for a child, they differ significantly regarding legal implications, duration, and parental rights. An Illinois lawyer can help you understand these differences as you consider both options.
Differences Between Guardianship and Adoption
The difference between adoption and guardianship is within the legal status and the parental rights they involve. It is helpful to understand each option.
Adoption is a Permanent Solution
Adoption is a permanent legal process that creates a new parent-child relationship. When you adopt a child, you become their legal parent, assuming all the rights and responsibilities of parenthood. This process permanently terminates the biological parents’ rights, transferring them to you as the adoptive parent. As a result, the child gains inheritance rights from you, and you have full authority to make all decisions regarding their upbringing.