A Post Adoption Contact Agreement, also known as a “PACA,” is a voluntary agreement that provides for eligible biological family members and the adoptive parents, the basis for continued contact between the parties after an adoption in finalized.  By statue, these agreements are enforceable when the agreement is entered as an Order of Court.  If an order is entered by the court, the agreement is legally enforceable and remains in effect as long as the agreement serves, “in the best interests of the child.”

The parties must be identified before the adoption of a child takes place.  The terms of the agreement indicate the frequency of contact between the biological family members and child or adoptive parents, which can include telephone calls, an exchange of letters and emails, photographs, and can also include visits with the adoptive child by the biological family members at a designated location.

The terms of the agreement have many considerations, including the age of the child, the length of the agreement and its effect on the child as years pass, and even the details of how frequent the contact should be, the interaction or bond the child has with biological family members, the comfort level of the child or adoptive parent(s) with that contact level. Questions such as, can the terms of the agreement be modified or can the agreement be terminated must be considered as well.

Adopting a child has the hope of a bright future for the child and an enriching experience for the adoptive parents.  So many aspects of the adoption have legal implications and are best addressed with a knowledgeable and experienced law firm, such as The Law Office of Dawn Padanyi, LLC.

We look forward to addressing your concerns because the best interests, welfare and stability of a child are everything.