Intended parents may turn to different assisted reproduction technologies or to adoption to help build or expand their families. Whatever the path they choose, our family law attorneys guide individuals through all stages of the processes, including obtaining crucial documentation that establishes parentage and protects parents’ legal rights and responsibilities. We help clients understand their options and pursue the legal means of building, expanding, and protecting their families through various kinds of adoption.
Adoption can take many forms, and our attorneys are experienced in advising individuals and couples on the necessary steps to navigate and finalize the process. We frequently work with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples who may have to take additional steps to protect their families.
Confirmatory Adoption
Affirming the parental rights for families formed through assisted reproduction
Particularly important for LGBTQ+ families and those using donor sperm, eggs or embryos, confirmatory adoption offers several benefits, including affirming parental rights for non-genetic and/or non-gestational parents, ensuring universal recognition across state lines, protecting against future legal challenges, and providing legal security in uncertain times.
In Pennsylvania, the process follows similar procedures to stepparent or second-parent adoptions, with availability varying by county for unmarried couples. In New Jersey, confirmatory adoptions can be completed through a streamlined process that eliminates the need for a court hearing. It’s important to note that a birth certificate alone may not provide full legal security for parental rights, especially for non-biological or non-gestational parents. An adoption or parentage order from a judge is essential to secure consistent legal recognition across all states. This applies equally to non-genetic and/or non-gestational parents in both same-sex and mixed-sex couples, though LGBTQ+ parents may face more legal challenges due to biases and visibility.
Stepparent Adoption
Providing a legally binding relationship between stepparents and their stepchildren
Stepparent adoption solidifies the relationship between a stepparent and their stepchild, providing legal recognition and security. The process typically involves consulting with a lawyer, gathering documentation, obtaining parental consent or terminating parental rights, filing the adoption petition, attending court hearings, and obtaining a new birth certificate. Stepparent adoptions in Pennsylvania do not require home studies or post-placement visits, simplifying the process compared to other types of adoption.
Private Adoptions
Enabling birth and adoptive parents to work directly with one another
Private adoption, also known as independent adoption, is a process where birth parents and adoptive parents work directly with each other without an adoption agency. Our attorneys are experienced on all aspects of such private adoptions, and they use strong relationships with other adoption law attorneys in other states to navigate interstate placements.
Kinship Adoption
Creating a legally recognized bond between a child and family member(s)
Kinship adoption is a legal process in which a relative, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or sibling, adopts a child who is biologically related to them. This type of adoption is often pursued when the child’s biological parents are unable to care for them due to reasons such as death, incarceration, substance abuse, or neglect. The process typically involves consulting with a lawyer, gathering documentation, obtaining parental consent or terminating parental rights, filing the adoption petition, attending court hearings, and obtaining a new birth certificate. Kinship adoption offers permanent legal security, allowing the adoptive parent to make decisions for the child while maintaining important family ties.
Adult Adoption
Adult adoption establishes a permanent, legal parent-child relationship between an adopting parent (or parents) and someone over the age of eighteen. It’s commonly used to formalize long-standing emotional bonds and secure inheritance rights. This process provides legal recognition, protections, and stability for chosen family connections.
Agency Adoption
Our attorneys provide comprehensive legal support for agency adoptions, guiding prospective parents through every step of the process and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. We represent clients in court proceedings, and finalize adoptions. With our experienced guidance, you can confidently navigate the adoption process.
Birth Parents
Helping birth parents through complex and emotionally challenging decision-making
We provide compassionate legal guidance to birth parents navigating the process of adoption. Our attorneys ensure that birth parents understand their legal rights and have all the information needed to make informed decisions.
In Pennsylvania, birth mothers can consent to adoption 72 hours after the child’s birth, with a 30-day revocation period. Birth fathers may consent during pregnancy or after birth, with similar revocation rights. For situations with uninvolved birth fathers, we address legal considerations to ensure a secure adoption plan. We can also assist in creating post-adoption contact agreements for open adoptions in Pennsylvania, tailored to the birth parents’ needs and expectations for future contact.