Adoption can be a complicated process, requiring thorough knowledge of adoption laws to ensure the legality of parental rights. Whether you are in the beginning stages of the adoption process, or find yourself tangled in the complex adoption system, please contact our California adoption attorneys for advice. We can help guide you and your family through the maze of adoption laws. Contact us today online or by phone: 1-800-221-9847.

Adoption is just as permanent as having a child on your own. Once you adopt a child it becomes the permanent legal assumption of all parental rights and responsibilities for that child. You assume the same rights and take on the same responsibilities as birth parents.

There are a number of ways to adopt a child in the State of California.

• You can adopt a child through a licensed public or private agency.
  In an agency adoption you make application to the adoption agency that reviews and studies your application to determine whether you are a suitable match as an adoptive parent. If you are approved your name goes on a waiting list and when a match is found a child will be placed in your care. The adoption agency stays involved by supervising the adoption for the following for six months and after that period an application can be made for the formal adoption of the child.
   
• You can arrange for an independent adoption.
  In an independent adoption the birth parents get to choose the adoptive parents. They must however be advised of their rights and responsibilities by a registered adoption service provider before any adoption can take place. In addition, they must provide in writing their consent to the adoption which becomes final unless it is revoked in a 30 day period.
   
• Or you can adopt a child from another country using what is called intracountry adoption.
  In an intracountry adoption parents from California travel to another country to adopt a child born in that country. Before they return they must apply for and obtain an immigration entry visa for their newly adopted child. In addition they must formally register the adoption with officials in the home country of the child and when they return to California they must do the same in order to make the adoption formally legal in this state.

While it not required by law to have an attorney represent you in an agency adoption, an attorney can be very useful in helping to resolve any difficulties which may arise. In an independent adoption an attorney is recommended to protect your rights and to ensure that all legal requirements are met. An attorney is absolutely crucial for intracountry adoptions to help you navigate the regulations of the foreign country and adhere to international law. An experienced adoption attorney can assist with communications between local country officials, orphanages, hospitals, adoption agencies, the immigration process, and the final registration of your adoption in California.

If you are considering the adoption of a child, or have questions regarding the legality of an adoption, please contact our California adoption lawyers by phone or online.

Please contact us online or call us at 1-800-221-9847.

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