On the perpetual quest to set the standard of care and professionalism in the area of adoption, Kirsh & Kirsh, P.C., has instituted its own Blog. This Blog will encompass many unique insights of Kirsh & Kirsh, P.C., about adoption law, practice, and procedure. Some entries will be relaxed and rather laid back like our office mascot, Bert.
As Steven and Joel Kirsh have been practicing exclusively adoption law over the 30 years and have handled in the range of 3000 successful adoptions, there are very few situations the two of them have not seen or been involved with. Having made such a bold statement, every day presents interesting situations. Stay tuned to hear about them.
Blogs will be as regular as possible and will cover the gamut of legal issues, adoption stories, and encouragement from professionals in the field.
We would love to hear your feedback regarding the Blog and questions or issues you would like to have addressed. Please forward your questions, inquiries, statements thoughts to us at blog@kirsh.com.
Thank you very much for tuning in and reading,
Joshua A. Kirsh
Community Outreach Coordinator
What are my other children going to think if I place my baby for adoption?
Posted by: Steve Kirsh
January 20, 2012
Topic: Letters
Recently I received the following email from an expectant mother:
"I am 4 months pregnant and was thinking about adoption. The problem is I have a 7 yr old and he is very excited he is going to be a big brother. So how do I know if adoption is right when it affects the life of my other child as well? Thanks for the help."
Here is how I responded:
Adoption and Drugs and Alcohol Exposure
Posted by: Steve Kirsh
January 20, 2012
Topic: Adoption and Drugs and Alcohol Exposure
When adopting a child, prospective adoptive parents must understand that they give up control of a number of things, one of the most difficult being control over the expectant mothers actions during her pregnancy. Many, probably most, expectant mothers take good care of themselves during their pregnancies because they love their unborn babies and only want what is best for them. However, many substances are addictive and not as easy to put aside as one might think. Regardless of an expectant mother's motivation, substance abuse is a problem in adoption, most likely under-reported, and an issue which prospective adoptive parents should consider prior to embarking on an adoption journey.
Adoption Tax Credit
Posted by: Steve Kirsh
January 20, 2012
Topic: Adoption Tax Credit
Congress passed the adoption tax credit as part of the George W. Bush tax cuts. The adoption tax credit was extended to December 31, 2011, and then extended again to December 31, 2012. It is due to expire on December 31, 2012, unless it is again extended by Congress. The two leading adoption organizations in the country are lobbying to have it extended, those being the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (www.adoptionattorneys.org), of which I am past president and have been treasurerfor nearly 20 years (I could not possibly be that old -aargh!) and the National Council for Adoption (www.adoptioncouncil.org).
I cannot believe I am pregnant again. What should I do?
Posted by: Steve Kirsh
January 18, 2012
Topic: What should I do?
Recently, I met with an expectant mother who had previously made an adoption plan and placed a child with a family through our office. She said that she was hesitant to call us this time because she felt like "scum" (her words) for winding up unexpectedly pregnant again. I assured her that her situation happens more than she thought.
Written by an adoptive mom who adopted through our office 18 years ago, an essay she describes as the "Meaning of Love"
Posted by: Steve Kirsh
September 20, 2011
Topic: Letters
On May 17, 1993, at 9:00 a.m., a stranger I had never met taught me a lifetime of love.
On that day, at that exact hour, a committed 18-year old opened her heart as wide as the heavens themselves and all by herself, changed lives forever.
