San Jose Adoption Lawyer
Some people have always known that they want to adopt at some point. Then there are those who decide to adopt after experiencing a life issue, such as infertility. Or some people may want to adopt a relative when the parents die or terminate their rights.
Adoption can happen in many ways. However, it’s not a quick and easy process. There are often many steps involved. There may also be wait times and huge expenses to consider.
Adoption requires a commitment. Are you ready to take the next step? If so, contact a San Jose adoption lawyer from Argyris Mah, LLP to guide you through the process.
Types of Adoption
There are many types of adoption recognized in California, including:
- Agency adoption. This type of adoption involves a licensed adoption agency facilitating the placement of a child with adoptive parents. The agency may be public or private.
- Foster care adoption. Many children in California are adopted from the foster care system. Foster care adoption involves adopting a child who is currently in the foster care system and whose biological parents’ rights have been terminated.
- Independent adoption. Independent adoption occurs when the birth parents and adoptive parents find each other without the involvement of an agency. However, California law requires an adoption agency to supervise the placement process in these adoptions.
- Stepparent adoption. This occurs when a stepparent legally adopts the child of their spouse. In California, this process typically requires the consent of both biological parents, unless one has had their parental rights terminated.
- Relative adoption. When a child is adopted by a relative, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or sibling, this is referred to as relative adoption. This type of adoption can be facilitated through an agency or independently.
- International adoption. Some families in California choose to adopt a child from another country. International adoption involves adhering to the adoption laws and regulations of both the United States and the country where the child is coming from.
What Happens Next?
Once you have decided on adoption and have chosen a type or agency, you’ll need to complete the next steps. First, all states have laws regarding who is eligible to adopt. In California, parents must be at least 10 years older than the child they are adopting, with exceptions for relative adoptions.
All adoptive parents must complete a home study before they will be approved to adopt. The adoption home study requires you to:
- Submit fingerprints.
- Complete a physical examination.
- Attend adoption training classes.
- Complete interviews with a social worker.
- Complete an in-home visit and investigation with a social worker.
A home study may not be approved any adult living in the home has ever been convicted of child abuse or neglect, child pornography, spousal abuse, sexual assault, or homicide.
Contact Our San Jose Adoption Lawyers
Adoption can be exciting, but there are many laws and regulations involved. It can also be costly in some cases.
A San Jose adoption lawyer from Argyris Mah, LLP can assist you with the type of adoption you wish to pursue. Call (408) 214-6366 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation.
