Recent Posts in Adoption Category

Many people in the state of California choose to adopt children, whether through step-parent adoption or open adoptions.  If you are thinking about adopting a child, there are a few things you should consider before you make a firm commitment:

1)       Make sure that you know what it means to be an adoptive parent.  When you adopt a child, you become responsible for that child and must provide for his/her physical, financial and emotional needs on a daily basis.  This means that you have to make a serious commitment.

2)      Sometimes, people choose to adopt due to infertility issues.  When this is the case, people must come to peace with the emotions surrounding their fertility issues and also know that after adoption, some feelings may resurface and will need to be dealt with accordingly.

3)      Be sure it is the right time to add to your family.   Sometimes, it is better to wait before adopting.  For example, if you are experiencing economic hardships, it may be better to wait to adopt.

Considering adoption?  If so, hire a Riverside family lawyer that can provide legal assistance and insight. Contact the Law Offices of Michael R. Young now!

If you are a step parent and have plans to partake in a step-parent adoption, there are a few things you must do in order to move forward with your legal matter. First, you must obtain a consent agreement from your spouse.  You must also obtain a consent agreement from the child's other parent. 

Once you have obtained consent from the other parent, he or she will be legally giving up his or her rights and responsibilities.  For example, if the non-custodial parent was making child support payments, he or she will no longer have to make such payments once you obtain the consent agreement from him or her.

In each state, the way to obtain consent is different.  In some states, the noncustodial parent can simply give a written statement and in other states, the non-custodial parent will have to appear before a judge or file court paperwork.  Some states even require that a non-custodial parent receive counseling prior to agreeing to give up his or her parental rights. 

Due to the complexity and possible complications surrounding step-parent adoption, it is always a wise idea for people to hire a Riverside family lawyer that can provide legal assistance and insight.  If you are in need of a family law attorney, contact the Law Offices of Michael R. Young now!

The Arizona House recently passed a bill that gives preference to married couples over single parents in regards to state-sponsored adoptions.

Under the state’s current adoption laws, any adult resident, regardless of his or her marital status, is eligible to adopt a child. But under the terms of the new bill, sponsored by Rep. Warde Nichols (R-Gilbert), married couples would be given primary consideration for adoption. Single parents would still be allowed to adopt, but under the limited circumstances. The following circumstances would give single parents preference over a married couple:

• If the child is related to the adult
• If the child already has a pre-existing relationship with the adult
• If the child would otherwise be placed in extended placement or foster care
• If the judge determines that it's in the child’s best interest to live with the adult

The bill does not change the requirement for an investigation to determine whether the adoptive parents or parent are suitable for raising the child. Some the things adoption officials will look into include each person’s financial situation, moral character, physical and mental health, religious background, and previous dealings with children.

Supporters of the bill say that homes in which both a mother and a father are present are much better for a child, while opponents argue that single parents are just as capable of providing a loving and stable home. Opponents also argue that putting restrictions on single-parent adoptions could result in fewer adoptions overall.

The bill now moves to the state Senate. 

Adoption is a truly rewarding experience for individuals and couples who wish to expand their family.  If you are interested in learning more about adoption, you should consider speaking with an experienced adoption lawyer sooner rather than later.  Although adoption is a joyful experience, the adoption process can easily become complicated and complex, as there are many laws involved and a lot of red tape to work through.  In addition, when people apply to adopt a child they must go through several investigations, interviews, and legal proceedings. Having a skilled Riverside adoption lawyer on your side throughout this process will ensure your rights and best interests are protected, and that your case remains on track.

Types of Adoption

Once you have made the decision to adopt a child you must determine what type of adoption you are interested in.  There are several different types of adoption, including:

• Closed Adoption:  You will not meet the child’s birth parents.
• Open Adoption: You will meet, get to know, and work with the child’s birth parents throughout the adoption process.
• International Adoption:  Refers to adopting a child from outside the U.S.
• Domestic Adoption:  Refers to adopting a child from within the U.S
• Foster Care Adoption:   Refers to adopting a child that was placed in your foster care.  This type of adoption is a little more complicated, as the child’s biological parents must consent to the adoption or terminate their parental rights.
• Step-Parent Adoption:  Refers to when a child’s step-parent formally adopts the child.  In doing so, the step-parent now has both legal and parental rights.
• Inter-Family Adoption:   Refers to adopting a niece, cousin, grandchild, etc.  Like foster care adoption, the biological parents (unless deceased) must sign their consent or terminate their parental rights.
• Special-Needs Adoption:  Refers to adopting a child with a disability.