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The taking of a child into one's family, creating a parent to child relationship, and giving him or her all the rights and privileges of one's own child, including the right to inherit as if the child were the adopter's natural child. The adoption procedure varies depending on whether the child comes through an agency which handles adoptions or comes from a stranger or a relative, and on the age of the child and the adoptive parent or parents. The hopeful adoptive parent must file a petition, which may be handled by the adoption agency. Natural parents must either give binding written permission for the adoption or have abandoned the child for a lengthy period of time. An investigation will be made by a county office (probation or family services) as to the future parents' suitability to adoption, their relationship status, their home situation, and their health, as well as the best interests of the child. If the child is old enough to understand the procedure he or she may have a say in the adoption. Finally there is a hearing before a local court judge (called "surrogate" in some states) and an adoption order made. In many states a new birth certificate can be issued, with the adoptive parents listed as the parents. If there is an adoption of an adult, the adopting adult usually must be several years older, based on the state law. In recent years, there has been much controversy over adoption by single parents, including gays and lesbians, with the tendency toward allowing such adoptions, provided all other criteria beneficial to the child are met.
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FAQs & Articles
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| Adoption - FREE Forms:
There are many free forms on government sponsored Websites. The problem lies in choosing the correct form, and filling in the necessary information. Legal Grind has several options for you to consider: Attorney Referral; Non-Attorney Document Preparation; and Self-Help Law Books.
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Document Preparation -- Non Attorney/Low flat-fees:
You know what you want, have one of our Family Law Consultants prepare and file your documents.
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Unbundled Legal Services -- Attorney Limited Scope/Flat-fees:
Unbundled legal services, or discrete task representation, refers to a broad range of discrete tasks that an attorney might undertake such as: advice, negotiation, document review, document preparation, and limited representation.
STEP-PARENT ADOPTION:
- WITH CONSENT
WITHOUT CONSENT (father must be available if were married and had child contact)
- WITHOUT CONSENT (father unavailable)
INDEPENDENT ADOPTION:
WITH CONSENT (with consent of both natural parents)
- IF FATHER UNKNOWN
- ADULT ADOPTION
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Full Service -- Attorney Hourly/Contingency/Flat Fees: (subject to change at any time)
Services are provided by active members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice in the State of California.
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