Looking To Adopt? Seek Help From Our Skilled Attorneys

Adoption is a joyful process, but it can also be legally difficult and frustrating. Thankfully, the right attorney can make a big difference in your case. The family law attorneys at Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel LLP, can assist a stepparent or a same-sex partner in the greater Philadelphia area who is seeking to adopt a child.

An Overview Of The Adoption Process

Adoption for stepparents or same-sex partners is a two-step process. First, one of the natural parent’s parental rights must be terminated. The termination of parental rights of the natural parent can be obtained if he or she voluntarily consents to the termination and adoption. For cases in which the natural parent is unwilling to consent to the termination of parental rights, the stepparent must obtain an order from the court that involuntarily terminates the parent’s parental rights. There must be compelling reasons to seek an involuntary termination, such as abuse or neglect.

Once the termination of the natural parent’s rights is obtained, the adoption can proceed. The individual intending to adopt must file a petition with the court and provide a number of documents to the court, such as criminal record clearances, child abuse clearances and FBI clearances. The FBI clearance requires the individual intending to adopt to be fingerprinted. Medical histories of the parties involved may also be required.

The court takes the termination of a parent’s rights and the adoption of a child by a stepparent or same-sex partner very seriously. Each county court sets forth its own specific requirements and procedures, which must be followed before the adoption can proceed.

We Have The Skills, Experience And Resources You Are Looking For – Contact Us Today

Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel LLP family law attorneys can assist you with the adoption process to make sure that all of the proper documentation is submitted to the court. We are very familiar with the procedures of the local county courts. With eight attorneys and over 150 years of combined experience, our family law department is one of the largest and most qualified in the area to help an individual navigate through the adoption process.

To discuss your needs with one of our skilled and caring attorneys, call us at 215-790-0100 or fill out our online contact form.