The decision to adopt a child may be one of the most important things you ever do. It may also be hugely rewarding to make yourself the legal parent of a child you are not biologically related to. Many happy families in Orange County are the result of adoption.
Though adopting a child can be a wonderful gift, and change a child’s life forever, it can also be complicated. To be considered, parents must meet strict qualifications. There is a lot of paperwork and to fill out. A mistake in these documents or in the court documents can derail the adoption. Also, one of the child’s biological parents may resist having his or her parental rights taken away.
Once the adoption is complete, the relationship between the child and the adoptive parent or parents is virtually identical to a biological parent-child relationship. The parent is imbued with the same legal rights and responsibilities toward the child as any other parent.
The State of California has different forms of adoptions that are geared toward different circumstances. For example, adopting a child from the U.S. works differently than an international adoption.
Whether you want to adopt your spouse’s children, or you and your spouse want to bring a child into your family, you would be best served by having a family law attorney by your side. An experienced attorney will know the adoption process, help you avoid common mistakes and pitfalls, and help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, so you can start your new family.
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