Adoptions

Charleston Adoption Lawyers

Full-Service Adoption Representation for Charleston Families & Birth Mothers

Adoption creates a permanent legal bond between a child and their new family, but the path to that moment involves court filings, background checks, home studies, consent documentation, and, in some cases, contested hearings. For families in Charleston and across the Lowcountry, Seibert Law Firm handles every stage of that process. We represent both prospective adoptive parents and birth mothers, covering the full spectrum of adoption types so families don’t need to look elsewhere as their circumstances evolve.

Our attorneys work to streamline what can be a lengthy and emotionally demanding process, from the initial petition through the final hearing when parental rights and responsibilities are legally established.

Arrange a free initial consultation with a Charleston adoption attorney to discuss your needs and concerns. Reach us online or by phone at (843) 428-6360.

Adoption in South Carolina

Adoption in South Carolina is governed by the South Carolina Code of Laws Title 63 Chapter 9, commonly known as the South Carolina Adoption Act. The Act permits the adoption of any child or adult within the state by any South Carolina resident. Non-residents may only adopt a child in South Carolina under certain circumstances.

Other rules laid out in the Act include:

A child aged 14 or older must consent to the adoption unless they lack the mental capacity to do so or the court determines that consent isn’t in the child’s best interests
A pre-placement home study is required, and the adoptee must reside with the prospective parent or parents for at least 90 days before a finalization hearing can be scheduled
The South Carolina Department of Social Services is the named state agency for adoption matters
A finalized adoption generally can’t be challenged for procedural defects, though courts retain authority to grant relief in cases of extrinsic fraud

Types of Adoption We Handle in Charleston

Every adoption situation is different, and the legal path forward depends on the type of adoption involved. We assist Charleston-area families with a wide range of adoption paths, including those that require navigating additional frameworks such as the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC), a uniform law enacted across all 50 states that governs child placements across state lines.

Many types of adoption are available for which Seibert Law Firm provides assistance, including:

Adoptions within the state
Interstate adoptions
Agency adoptions
Foster care child adoptions
Special-needs child adoptions
Private adoptions
Stepparent adoptions
Adult adoptions
Grandparent and relative adoptions
Contested adoptions

Adoptions can be open or closed. Open adoptions allow a birth parent to remain in communication with their child after parental rights have been terminated and give adoptive parents access to the child’s biological and medical history. Closed adoptions don’t permit that ongoing contact. Contested adoptions, where a birth parent or other party disputes the termination of parental rights or the adoption itself, require particularly careful legal handling. Our family law team has experience navigating contested proceedings in Charleston County family court.

Why Charleston Families Choose Seibert Law Firm

Attorney Kevin M. Seibert, Esq. and Attorney Rebecca A. Seibert, Esq. are both members of the South Carolina Bar Association and the Georgia Bar Association. Together, they bring a two-attorney perspective to each adoption case, meaning clients work directly with attorneys who know South Carolina adoption law and stay involved throughout the process rather than delegating to staff.

We serve clients throughout Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties and the greater Lowcountry area. Clients receive a tailored plan suited to their specific adoption situation. Adoption carries significant emotional weight alongside real legal complexity, and we keep families informed at every step.

Competitive pricing and multiple financing options make our representation accessible to families at different financial starting points. We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards.

Schedule Your Free Adoption Consultation

Whether you’re a prospective adoptive parent taking your first steps or a birth mother working to establish the right terms for your child’s future, Seibert Law Firm is ready to help. We offer a free initial consultation so you can discuss your situation with a Charleston adoption lawyer before making any commitments.

Call us at (843) 428-6360 or reach out online to schedule your consultation today.

The South Carolina Adoption Process: What to Expect

While timelines vary depending on the adoption type and individual circumstances, most South Carolina adoptions follow a structured sequence that moves from petition through home study, placement, consent documentation, and the finalization hearing. Knowing what lies ahead can help families move through the process with confidence rather than uncertainty.

Home Study

All adoptions completed through direct placements or adoption agencies in South Carolina require a home study conducted by a licensed provider. The home study typically includes background checks, in-home visits, and interviews with all household members. Its purpose is to confirm that the prospective parent or parents can provide a stable, nurturing environment for a child. Under the South Carolina Adoption Act, the home study must be completed before adoptive placement can occur.

Matching & Placement

Once the home study is approved, prospective parents may be matched with a child or selected by a birth mother, depending on the type of adoption. Interstate adoptions involve the additional step of ICPC compliance, which can affect the timeline for out-of-state placements.

Consents & Documentation

All necessary consents must be signed and documentation properly filed before a finalization hearing can be scheduled. South Carolina law governs the timing and conditions under which a birth parent may consent to or revoke consent for adoption, which is why having legal guidance in place before signing anything matters.

The Finalization Hearing

The finalization hearing is when parental rights and responsibilities for the child are officially established by the court. Local adoptions are heard in Charleston County family court, and DSS is involved in most non-private adoption proceedings. We assist clients at every stage, from filing the initial petition through the final hearing.

Legal Services for Birth Mothers

Birth mothers are full legal participants in the adoption process. At Seibert Law Firm, we represent birth mothers who want to understand their rights, set the terms for their child’s placement, and make fully informed decisions before any documents are signed.

In open adoption arrangements, a birth mother may be able to designate how much contact she will maintain with the child and the new family after finalization. South Carolina law gives birth mothers specific rights regarding when and how consent may be given or revoked, and the long-term implications of those decisions aren’t always obvious without legal guidance. We work with birth mothers to make sure they understand every step before moving forward, helping them evaluate placement options for their child while protecting their own legal interests throughout the process.

Continue Reading Read Less

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Seibert Law Firm at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy