Adoption Lawyer

Expanding your family to include an adopted child can be a challenging but extremely rewarding experience. There are many different types of adoption, including step-parent adoption, co-parent adoption, grandparent adoption, relative adoption, international adoption, and adoption from birth parents. Regardless of the type of adoption you desire to obtain, guidance and assistance from an experienced adoption lawyer can help to make this time-consuming and complex process more manageable.

Step-Parent & Co-Parent Adoption

These are the most common forms of adoption, in which the spouse of parties of the biological parent wishes to adopt. With step-parent adoption, the child becomes the legal responsibility of the step-parent, and the birth parent’s rights are terminated. Co-parent adoption applies to same sex couples where one party is the biological parent of the child. With a co-parenting adoption, the non-biological parent obtains rights to decision making, such as educational options and medical care.

Grandparent & Relative Adoption

Relative adoption is when you adopt a child who is already part of your extended family. This is common with young mothers, or those who are facing legal or competency issues which may impact their ability to raise the child. Standby Adoption is similar to relative adoption, except that is enacted upon the passing of the biological parents. The purpose of stand-by adoption is that the child becomes the responsibility of an approved family member they are already familiar with.

International & Birth Parent Adoption

These occur when the child you wish to adopt is not already part of your immediate or extended family. These are the most challenging adoptions, but can have a very high reward as well. Saving a child from circumstances where they are unwanted or not being properly cared for can make your relationship with that child even more special. Working with an experienced family lawyer is crucial to navigating this complicated but rewarding process.

Free Consultation with an Experienced Adoption Lawyer

Regardless of the type of adoption you are looking to obtain, you need a dedicated adoption attorney on your side. Adoption often requires background checks, mounds of paperwork, and can be a lengthy process. A family law professional will not only explain what your adoption options are, they can help to clarify the adoption process, and will represent your case in courts, with adoption agencies, and birth parents.