San Diego Adoption Lawyers

Here to Help You Welcome a Child Into Your Family

Adoption is a legal process by which a legal adult, other than one of the biological parents of the minor child, becomes legally responsible for that minor child. There are essentially two types of adoption: step-parent adoptions and third-party adoptions (such as when grandparents adopt their grandchildren).

Both types of adoptions can be either "contested" or "uncontested." Contested adoptions occur when the biological parent, or other relative(s), object through legal process to the adoption being granted by the court. An uncontested adoption occurs when there is no opposition to the adoption, either by the biological parent or from anyone else.

Professional Legal Guidance for Your Adoption Case

At Family Law San Diego, we handle every type of adoption situation with an eye towards creating strong family relationships. If you have questions about the adoption process, we encourage you to contact us online, or call our office located in La Mesa, California to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced adoption attorneys in San Diego.

Call (619) 577-4900 today to know all of your options and how you can do what is best for your family quickly, effectively, and smoothly.

Step-Parent Adoptions in San Diego

Step-parent adoptions happen when the parent who has custody of the child remarries. Sometimes the biological parent is deceased and the motivation of the adoption is to ensure that the child has two parents to love and care for the child. More often, the motivation is to have the custodial parent's new spouse, who is most likely living in the residence with the child, become legally responsible for the child with whom the new spouse lives on a day-to-day basis.

The biological parent often cooperates with this process because, once the cohabitant of the custodial parent adopts the child, the "new dad" or "new mom" is responsible for the child in all ways, including financially. The biological parent no longer is required to pay ongoing child support as long as there are not any arrears that are still owed.

Adoption Procedures in California

We will assist your blended family and guide you through the entire process. Adoption can often trigger certain issues, such as how grandparents' rights may be affected, and our firm will help you plan for all of these circumstances. Our adoption attorneys in San Diego possess advanced degrees in family counseling, so we can help you navigate these issues on both a legal and emotional level.

Additionally, an adoption proceeding takes place in juvenile court, which means it is also equally important to hire a lawyer who is familiar with juvenile court rules and procedures.

Our attorneys are not only familiar with the paperwork and procedures - we also relish the opportunity to help families formalize adoption arrangements because we know the court sees an adoption as an act of optimism. These are often the happiest days on the calendar for the court, and we believe our job is to help families move through this process smoothly and successfully.

Contact Our Family Law San Diego Firm

An adoption attorney plays a pivotal role in helping California families navigate the complex, often emotional, landscape of adoption. They serve as both a guide and an advocate, ensuring that all legal requirements are met while also addressing the unique needs and challenges of each family. These professionals are well-versed in California adoption laws, enabling them to provide invaluable assistance throughout the adoption process.

• Initial Consultation: Offering a thorough assessment of the adoption case, explaining the legal process, and outlining the necessary steps.
• Legal Representation: Acting as the family's legal representative in court to address any legal challenges and ensure the adoption complies with state laws.
• Paperwork and Documentation: Managing all required paperwork, from filing petitions for adoption to finalizing the adoption decree.
• Child Welfare System Navigation: Helping families understand and interact with the California child welfare system, especially in cases of foster-to-adopt scenarios.
• Parental Rights: Assisting with the termination of the biological parents' rights when necessary, ensuring the process is carried out legally and ethically.
• Communication with Biological Parents: Facilitating communication and agreements between the adopting family and the biological parents, when appropriate.
• Post-Adoption Services: Offering guidance on post-adoption matters, such as birth certificate changes, social security updates, and navigating relationships with biological family members.

If you have questions and wish to schedule a free consultation with one of our San Diego adoption lawyers, contact our family law firm at (619) 577-4900 or by completing our online contact form.

Family Law San Diego'sprimary law office is in La Mesa, California, near the San Diego State University College area. We also have a satellite office in La Jolla.