Fresno Adoption Attorney

Offering Experienced Legal Representation for Prospective Adoptive Parents

Creating a family through adoption is one of the most life-changing events you can experience. Going through the adoption process with legal assistance ensures that you’re in compliance with all relevant laws and that your parental rights are protected. Adoption law is complex, and jumping in head first without doing due diligence could jeopardize your relationship with your child or children.

Placing your child for adoption also comes with many hurdles and legal challenges. Having adoption lawyers on your side helps you understand your rights and responsibilities as a birth parent.

No matter what kind of adoption situation you are in, it is always recommended to seek legal guidance. Our team at The Bains Law Office has years of experience helping clients and families through the adoption process. We are dedicated to ensuring that both the birth parents’ rights and adoptive parents’ wishes are respected. If you’d like to learn more about our services, call 559-282-8924 for a consultation today.

What Does an Adoption Attorney Do?

When parents first decide to go through the adoption process, there are many steps they are told they need to complete. One of the most overlooked steps is hiring an adoption attorney. Our team of legal professionals has experience in adoption-related laws and regulations to ensure that your rights are protected.

There are many things a Fresno adoption attorney can do for you, including:

Finding an Agency

In the early stages of the adoption process, you’ll look for an agency that meets your needs. Our Fresno adoption lawyers can help you look for a reputable, licensed adoption agency while protecting your rights.

Filing Paperwork

Adoption involves a lot of legal documentation, some of which can be confusing. You will need to fill out a variety of paperwork before the adoption is final. Our team will read through every document to help you understand what it means and how it helps protect you.

Ensuring Eligibility

Not everyone is eligible to become an adoptive parent. In the U.S., you must be a United States citizen and at least 25 years old if you are single. You must be jointly adopting as a couple if you are married. The agency will complete a background check, take your fingerprints, and more. Our team will learn more about you to determine if you are eligible before moving on.

Completing Identified Adoptions

Adoptions without an adoption agency are called identified adoptions. These adoptions often happen when the child is a member of the family or the child of a close friend. In these cases, you need an adoption lawyer to finalize the adoption and make it official. Our team can handle even the most complex of adoption cases.

How Does the Adoption Process Work?

The adoption process varies from state to state. However, there are general steps that every adoption goes through. Understanding the entire process is important, as doing a step incorrectly could mean delays.

The general process for adoption is as follows:

• Research your options and eligibility. You need a strong support network surrounding you through the entire process. Spend time making sure that adoption is right for you and that you’ll have support from friends and family.
• Decide if you want to pursue private adoption or adoption through an agency. There are pros and cons to both options, and one may be more suited for you than the other.
• Hire an adoption attorney to protect your rights. It is essential to involve our team early in the process so we can be on your side the entire time.
• Complete all home study work. If you go through an adoption agency, you’ll be required to fill out paperwork and complete a home study before starting the process.
• Work with our team to fulfill all legal requirements. There are many legal requirements you will need to complete before your adoption is finalized. We will work with you to help you file paperwork and submit forms.
• Prepare your home for your new child. You will need certain safety measures in place depending on the age of your child.
• Welcome your new child home. Once the adoption is finalized, you have parental rights! You can enjoy your time as a new family.

What Types of Adoption Are Available?

Adoption isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Depending on your goal, there are many kinds of adoption you can pursue.

The kinds of adoptions include:

• Family adoptions
• Private adoptions
• Contested adoptions
• Foreign adoptions
• Interstate adoptions
• Foster care adoptions
• Domestic adoptions

What is a Contested Hearing?

If you are attempting to adopt a child from a parent who has had their parental rights terminated without their consent, you will likely go through a contested adoption. A contested adoption means that not all parties agree with the adoption. The birth parent or birth parents may try to fight for their parental rights.

Termination of parental rights only happens in certain extreme circumstances. Abuse, neglect, or abandonment often leads to termination. If you are at risk of involuntary termination of your parental rights, seek help from our team immediately. We can advocate for you in a contested hearing and show evidence of your parental competence.

Should You Contact an Adoption Lawyer?

Adoption is a beautiful process that can be life-changing for you and your family. If you are considering adoption, having a legal professional on your side ensures that your rights are protected and prevents delays in the process.

The Bains Law Office has been representing clients in Fresno for years. We are confident that no matter what kind of adoption you are involved in, we can assist you. For more information about our services, contact us by calling 559-282-8924 today.