Cases we take
Adoption
Most of our adoptions are a family making official what's already true at home.
A stepparent adoption or a grandparent adopting a grandchild follows the same steps as any adoption: consents or terminations, a background check, sometimes a home study, then a hearing where the judge signs the order. We handle the paperwork and keep you ahead of each step, so the hearing is the easy part.
What the plan covers
Consent from the other birth parent, or a court's decision without it
Background checks and the home study
Name change and a new birth certificate
The finalization hearing, family welcome
Adoptions we handle
Stepparent
Adopting your spouse's child, the most common adoption we do.
Relative and guardian
Grandparents, aunts and uncles who are already raising a child.
Agency and adult
Working alongside an agency, or adopting a stepchild who's grown.
Before the adoption hearing
How long does a stepparent adoption take?
Often four to six months when the other parent consents, longer when they don't. Your written plan gives the steps and a likely timeline.
Can the whole family come to the hearing?
Yes. Most judges welcome it, and many let children bring something to show.
What if we can't find the other parent?
The court requires a real effort to find them first. We do that search and show the court what we tried.
Ask about your adoption
An hour with one of our lawyers, at the office nearest you or by video, for a set fee quoted when you book.