Adoption

If you are considering adoption, the attorneys at WGS Law can help. We can provide effective advice and representation through each stage of the adoption process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a leading adoption attorney.

Expert Legal Representation for Stepparent Adoptions

Stepparent adoption, or second-parent adoption, is a complicated process. In the state of California, you must follow a specific process and meet certain requirements for a stepparent or domestic partner to legally adopt a child. Stepparent adoption occurs when the spouse or domestic partner of a child’s parent chooses to legally adopt that child. 

At WGS Law Firm, we have experience with all types of adoptions, including stepparent adoptions. Allow us to walk you through the process so that you fully understand your rights and legal options.

Stepparent adoption requires you to file a petition to adopt a child of your spouse or domestic partner. The Department of Social Services prefers that couples have been together for at least one year before filing to adopt.

You must also provide the court with various forms and filing fees. The other parent must also voluntarily or involuntarily have their parental rights terminated before a stepparent can adopt the child.

Stepparent adoption also requires a written report and an adoption investigation. The investigation includes a review of all the documents that you submit, verification of employment, and an interview with the spouse/partner and child or children.

The court schedules a hearing to finalize the adoption agreement. The stepparent, spouse/partner, and child/children need to be present for the hearing.

You may want to speak with an adoption attorney before filing a petition with the county where you reside. If you meet the legal requirements, you can technically file the necessary paperwork to initiate the adoption process yourself. However, working with an attorney can help you navigate each step.

Stepparent adoption and other forms of adoption require a petition to be filed with the court. You must also submit a wide range of paperwork and deal with a variety of factors.

For example, the noncustodial parent may need to surrender their parental rights. If the other parent does not consent to the adoption, you may need to file a petition to terminate parental rights.

The court may terminate the rights of the noncustodial parent if certain conditions are met, such as failure to support or visit the child in the past two years.

Understanding these details and the wide range of additional criteria can be difficult and overwhelming. The attorneys at WGS Law can help with all areas of the adoption process. We have helped hundreds of clients with adoptions and are ready to help with yours.

Stepparent adoptions are often the simplest type of adoption, as one spouse or partner is already the legal parent of the child. However, other forms of adoption often have more complex processes.

An adoption attorney from WGS Law can assist with other types of adoption, including:

• Independent adoption
• Agency adoption
• Relative placement adoption
• Adult adoption

The California State Department of Social Services is involved in most forms of adoption. Each type of adoption also includes different requirements and processes.

Do not hesitate to contact an experienced adoption attorney for help with your adoption. Whether you are considering a stepparent adoption or any other type of adoption, you want to ensure that you understand the process.

WGS Law is here to help you evaluate your legal options and make the best choice for your new family. Here are some of the advantages of contacting us:

• More than two decades of experience
• Minority, woman-owned business
• Affordable legal services
• Bilingual adoption attorneys
• Expert legal advice and superior attention to detail

Flora Garcia-Sepulveda opened her practice in 1998. We have over two decades of experience serving clients in San Mateo County and the surrounding area.

You can rely on us for expert legal advice at prices that you can afford. As a minority woman-owned business, we strive to protect those who typically have the least access to resources. No matter your situation, we are ready to discuss the adoption process and determine the next step.