San Bernardino Adoption Lawyer

When it comes to the future of your new family, adoption makes it official. Don’t let legal hurdles get in your way; work with a San Bernardino adoption attorney.

There’s a legal side to adoption that few people consider when deciding to become adoptive parents. If this complicated matter isn’t handled correctly, you may encounter challenges later on.

To avoid these setbacks and protect your family, hire a San Bernardino adoption lawyer from the Law Office of Laurence J. Brock to represent you.

Adopting from Someone You Know?

Some adoptions are arranged between acquaintances or even family members. With verbal agreements in place, it’s easy to ignore the legal process and official documents.

But no matter how much you trust the other party, it’s still important to put everything in writing, go through the legal process, and make sure everyone’s interests are protected—especially the child’s.

Otherwise, one or both parties could change their minds, causing a disruption in the child’s life. This often occurs when the birth parents and adoptive parents know each other.

Your San Bernardino adoption attorney can ensure that the matter of your adoption is made official.

A Lawyer Can Help You

To prevent legal hang-ups, it’s important to retain a San Bernardino family adoption lawyer as soon as you begin seriously considering adoption. Your attorney can help you decide what type of adoption you want, complete the necessary application paperwork, and handle the legal process of ensuring you have all parental rights.

Handing off the legal aspects of the adoption allows you to focus on caring for your new child and welcoming him or her into your home.

What Type of Adoption Do You Want?

The two main types of adoptions are open adoptions and closed adoptions. In an open adoption, the birth parents and adoptive parents meet each other, can speak with each other, and are likely to stay in communication.

In these arrangements, the terms can be negotiated but typically include sending updates on the child and allowing them to know who his or her birth parents are. This can be beneficial on an emotional level, and it provides a full understanding of the child’s family medical history.

People who do not want the potential disruption caused by having the birth parents remain in the child’s life typically prefer closed adoptions. When the birth parents are involved with drugs or alcohol, for example, this could be a way to protect the child.

Your San Bernardino child adoption lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons of each type of adoption.

Adopting a Family Member

If you have been caring for a child who is related to you and want to officially adopt him or her, you may need the services of a qualified adoption attorney.

The birth parents will have to give up their parental rights, and the court will need to approve the adoption. Otherwise, a guardianship may be more appropriate.

Work with a San Bernardino Adoption Attorney

Get the adoption help you need by working with the Law Office of Laurence J. Brock. The sooner you retain an attorney, the better chance you have for success.

Get in touch with a San Bernardino adoption lawyer by calling 909-466-7661 or completing the form below.