An adoption attorney in California guides families through one of the most legally significant proceedings in family court. Whether you are seeking to adopt a stepchild, complete a second-parent adoption in an LGBTQ family, or finalize a private domestic adoption, adoption lawyers in California navigate specific procedural requirements for each type of proceeding.
Stepparent Adoption Attorney
Stepparent adoption is the most common type handled by an adopt stepchild lawyer or adoptions lawyer in family court. An adoption attorney California stepparent cases require guides the family through termination of the other biological parent's rights — either by consent or court order based on abandonment — and the adoption petition process at the superior court.
Second-Parent and Domestic Partner Adoption
Adoption lawyers in California also handle second-parent adoption for LGBTQ couples, where the non-biological parent legally adopts the child born to or adopted by their partner. This provides full legal protection for the non-biological parent's parental rights.
Private Domestic Adoption
A California adoption attorney handling private domestic adoption works with birth parents and adoptive parents through the placement, relinquishment, and court approval process. California law requires the birth parent to wait at least ten days after birth before relinquishing parental rights.
Adoption Lawyers in California — Finding the Right Fit
Adoption lawyers in California range from adoption-only specialists to family law attorneys who include adoption in their practice. For straightforward stepparent cases, an experienced family law attorney is typically sufficient. For contested terminations or complex international adoption, a specialist adoptions lawyer is advisable.
Furubotten Law, APC handles stepparent adoption and second-parent adoption throughout Orange County and Riverside County. Call (714) 795-3862 for a complimentary case evaluation.