Although the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that state laws regarding adoption were not used in a previous case, this does not mean that child will be given back to its birth mother.

Back in 2007 a Guatemalan woman, Encarnacion Bail Romero, was discovered in an immigration raid to be illegal, prompting local government authorities to put her child up for adoption. Rather than return the 4-year-old back to his mother the court ordered a new trial for Romero's parental rights, as well as a report about the adoptive parents and the child for the court's consideration. As the composer of the majority opinion, Judge Patricia Breckenridge said that a new trial was necessary since the case showed elements of abandonment.

However, three of the judges on the panel stated that they would have voted for reversing the adoption.

They all agreed that serious procedural errors had been made by the lower court of which the impact was being felt by Romero, her son Carlos, and the adoptive parents.

Since Romero was released from prison a year ago after spending two years in for aggravated identity theft, she has been fighting to regain custody. The adoptive parents, Seth and Melinda Moser, have been fighting back to keep Carlos in their family. He will remain with the Mosers until the adoption case is revisited in the court room.

If you're pursuing adoption, such as step-parent adoption, contact our legal team to enlist the services of a Riverside family lawyer.

Florida's three-decade ban on gay adoptions has finally been overturned by a couple who successfully adopted two brothers this month. Martin Gill and his partner have fostered these two boys for six years before they were finally successful in making the adoption legal on Wednesday.

The couple was helped by the American Civil Liberties Union who helped them file a case claiming that the state's law with unconstitutional. In a surprising turn of events the state of Florida decided not to appeal the decision of the 3rd District Court of Appeal who agreed with Gill's case. The Department of Children and Families has also made a tremendous change in their policy, altering forms to not ask whether adoptive parents are homosexual or not. 

The law in question was enacted in 1977 and it is believed to be the only one of its kind in the US. 

If you're interested in adoption, particularly step-parent adoption, contact our legal team to discuss your interests with a Riverside family lawyer. 

Desperate to adopt a child, Wendy and Josh Rougeau of Clarkston have now rented a billboard to aid in their search for a child. When the adoption agency that they are working with in Southfield recommended getting their name out there as much as possible, they really took it to heart.

Their dream of adoption is now advertised on a billboard on I-75 near Grand Blanc. It will cost them $2000 per month and it will come down on January 8th. So far neither the Rougeaus nor the adoption agency has reported any calls coming in for their adoption case. If there is anyone who has an interest in putting their child up for adoption or knows someone who might be interested, the adoption agency in Southfield will handle all of the legal work.

Since it is up to the mother to decide which family she would like her child to be adopted in to, nobody else can make that decision for her.

If you are having difficulty with your quest to adopt a child, it is time to consult with a Riverside family lawyer who can help.  Take the time tocontact the Law Office of Michael Young today.

An attorney is Roslyn was sentenced to ten to twenty years in prison today for lying to hopeful adoptive parents. Kevin Cohen had promised prospective parents that they would receive babies through his agency, Adoption Annex. However, the babies did not exist and the agency had been defunct since 2008. 

The judge was convicted on charges of criminal impersonation, scheme to defraud, grand larceny, forgery and other charges. In addition to jail time he must also pay $296,000 in restitution to the families that he defrauded.

There were thirteen victims that testified against Cohen. To complete his scam, which ran from 2007 to 2009, he showed the families fictitious records presented on forged stationary from hospitals in the area. 

His usual story revolved around an unmarried mother in Nebraska, Arizona, or Pennsylvania, who wanted to give her child up to a good family. When the birth mother "changed her mind", as she always did, Cohen would console the families and promise to find them another child. 

During his trial in which Cohen represented himself, the court discovered that he suffers from bipolar disorder and other illnesses. 

Planning to adopt?  Need assistance with step-parent adoption?  Our law firm can help!  Contact us to set up your consultation with a Riverside family law attorney.

Twelve orphans will finally be adopted by American families after the Haitian government approved the process this week. Rosemary Macray, spokeswoman for the State Department, announced that the children have been living in a Roman Catholic institution near Pittsburgh since the earthquake in January.

Over the next two weeks the children will be matched with qualified families in the US. These children were airlifted out of Haiti after the disaster, however, some legal experts are saying that they should not have been removed from the country since their parents were still alive. Yet further reports show that the parents were interviewed by US officials and had formally relinquished custody.

All twelve children, age two to twelve-years-old, have been living at the Holy Family Institute in Emsworth, Pennsylvania since the earthquake. Among them there are four sets of siblings, all of whom found adoptive families where they could remain together.

If you need assistance with a matter such as step-parent adoption, contact us to work with a Riverside family lawyer.

Famous singer and songwriter Sheryl Crow is adopting a third child but has specific demands for the adoption agency. In particular, she is insisting on having a closed adoption so that the mother of the boy does not have to see her name in the newspaper. Nor did she want that mother to see her son chronicled in magazines as he is growing up.

In addition to Wyatt (adopted in 2007) and Levi James (in 2010), Crow insists that she does not want to pick her child, but rather let fate run its course. As she recently told British newspaper The Guardian, "I said I would take whichever baby I was supposed to have. My philosophy was that souls find each other; you don't end up with the wrong child".

If you are considering adoption and want to protect the identity of your future child, speak with a Riverside family law attorney about your legal options by contacting our law firm.  We handle step-parent adoption cases for clients in Southern California.  

It has been reported that the state of Florida will not appeal a court ruling that found bans on adoptions by gay men and lesbians unconstitutional.

On Tuesday evening the Florida Department of Children and Families announced that it would not appeal the decision made in September by the 3rd District Court of Appeals.

According to Joe Follick, the department's communications editor, the department had, "weighed an appeal to the Florida Supreme Court to achieve an ultimate certainty and finality for all parties."

He also said, "But the depth, clarity and unanimity of the DCA opinion -- and that of Miami-Dade Judge Cindy Lederman's original circuit court decision -- has made it evident that an appeal would have a less than limited chance of a different outcome."

Earlier, the appeals court had lifted a 30 year ban making adoption legal for gay and lesbian couples in the state of Florida. At that time, Florida was the only state in the country prohibiting gay adoption.

If you have questions about adoption orstep-parent adoption, contact us to speak with a Riverside family law attorney.

According to HollywoodNews.com, singer and actress Kristin Chenoworth may be considering adoption.  Despite the fact that Chenoworth must balance a hectic career and her appearances on "Glee", it is said that she may consider adding a child to her family.

The news source says that Chenoworth was adopted and feels like it might be a decision that she could make one day.  She told People, "When I see other single parents, I think, 'Maybe I can do it, too'". 

The Broadway star also said that she would consider becoming a foster parent.  In fact, she recently paid for 14 foster children to see her in the Broadway production, Promises, Promises.

The Law Office of Michael Young represents individuals who are going through family legal matters, including step-parent adoption.  If you would like assistance during your adoption case, contact our law office now to get help, guidance and representation from a Riverside family law attorney.

Recently, news sources have reported that an adoption story has come to a joyous end after a couple from Visalia was able to complete the adoption of their Haitian son.

Kevin and Catherin Downes were introduced to the media earlier this year after the 7.0 earthquake shook Haiti.  At that time, their soon-to-be adopted son had resided at a local orphanage.  On Monday, the Downes were finally able to legalize their adoption.

Kevin said, "Las night was like Christmas Eve, I couldn't really sleep because I was anticipating the day so much."

He told news sources that 2 ½ year old Benecio has come a long way since arriving in the United States.  Benecio has a 15 month old brother, Nathaniel, who is the Downes' biological child.

The Downes appeared before a Tular County judge to finalize the adoption, which means that Beneico will now get to share their last name.  The next step is to secure American citizenship for the child, which would have normally occurred prior to Benecio entering the U.S., but the earthquake halted that process.

Looking for assistance with adoption, such as step-parent adoption?  If so, contact us now to discuss your case with a Riverside family lawyer!

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.

For years judges, social workers, child protective agencies, and family psychologists have been interested in “the best interest of the child.” It is the standard they use for determining child custody arrangements, visitation schedules, child support, adoption, grandparent visitation rights, and more.  While these professionals claim to have the child’s best interest at heart, the question is, do they really protect the child’s best interest when making their decisions or giving testimony?

The question came to mind after coming across an article about a father who lost his child after the mother gave up the child for adoption behind his back.  The child had lived with both parents for all of his one and a half years of life.  When the father went out of town one weekend, the mother took the child to an adoption agency, lied to the agency about the father’s involvement in the child’s life and his whereabouts, and gave the child up for adoption. When the father found out what had happened, he immediately contacted the adoption agency and told them he did not want to give up his child.  The agency decided to keep the child with the adoptive parents. 

A year and a half later, experts determined that the child had bonded with the new adoptive parents, and taking him away from those parents would not be in the child’s best interests.  As for the birth father? He was out of luck. And for the record, nobody bothered to acknowledge that it was never in the child’s best interest in the first place to be so abruptly taken away from his father.

The father later sued the mother and the adoption agency in civil court, and was awarded damages.  However, the father never received any money.  The agency filed for bankruptcy.

Were Your Rights Violated? Contact Michael R. Young for Help!

This is just one example of how “the best interest of a child” can work in all the wrong ways.  While this ideology should be applied to families that are already broken, there are times when judges, psychologists, and social workers can take this idea and skew it in a way that breaks up loving relationships.

If you think your parental or grandparental rights have been violated by a judge, child protective services agency, social worker, or psychologist who claims to have based his or her decisions on the “best interest of the child,” please do not hesitate to contact my office immediately.  As an experienced Riverside family law attorney, I have a solid knowledge and understanding of the laws and acceptable practices in California family court. Let me use my knowledge and experience to protect your best interest and strongly advocate your rights!

Contact Riverside family lawyer Michael Young today for experienced and dedicated legal representation!