Adoption

Adoption is a life-changing event that creates a permanent legal bond between a parent and child. Navigating the legal requirements can be complex, but with the right guidance, the process can proceed smoothly and successfully.

Types of Adoption

There are several paths to adoption, each with its own legal requirements:

• Stepparent Adoption: A stepparent legally adopts their spouse’s child, gaining full parental rights.
• Agency Adoption: Working with a licensed adoption agency to be matched with a child.
• Independent Adoption: Arranging an adoption directly with the birth parents, typically with the assistance of an attorney.
• Relative Adoption: A family member, such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, adopts a child.
• International Adoption: Adopting a child from another country, which involves both U.S. and foreign legal requirements.

The Adoption Process

The legal adoption process generally includes:

• Filing a petition with the court
• Completing a home study evaluation
• Obtaining consent from biological parents (or termination of parental rights)
• Attending a court hearing
• Receiving a final decree of adoption

How We Can Help

Our attorneys guide families through every stage of the adoption process, from initial paperwork to the final court hearing. We handle the legal details so you can focus on welcoming a new member into your family.

What You Should Know

Adoption permanently establishes the legal parent-child relationship, including rights to inheritance, medical decision-making, and all other parental rights and responsibilities. Our family law team in Burbank and San Diego, California is honored to help families grow through adoption.