Our Services
Independent or Agency Adoption
Whether you are already matched with an expectant mother, just beginning the adoption process, or adopting a relative, we will assess your unique case and advise you on the best path to a successful adoption. We will educate you on the differences between agency and independent adoption, provide an overview of the entire process, and equip you to choose the optimal path. With the information known about the birth father, we will develop a strategy to reduce the risk of a contested adoption. Adoption social workers and attorneys work together on both types of adoption and we only work with ethical, compassionate, experienced adoption professionals. Adoption can be an emotional process, and we will come alongside you and provide wisdom, direction, clear communication, and strong advocacy to help you feel confident and informed through every step. No matter where you are on your adoption journey, we will guide you through the entire process from start to finalization.
Birth Mother Representation
Every expectant mother considering adoption has the right to independent legal representation at no cost to her. If you are pregnant and considering adoption, talking to an attorney is the best place to start to learn about your rights and plan your child’s future. You have the right to choose the adoptive family for your child and have contact throughout his/her life. We provide compassionate, unwavering support throughout your adoption journey. We will inform you of your legal rights, provide an overview of the adoption consent laws and process to terminate the birth father’s rights, develop a hospital plan, connect you to a free licensed counselor, ensure your needs are provided for, and negotiate a legally enforceable post-adoption contact agreement. Our mission is to help you find strength and peace as you make a difficult decision, whether it is to make an adoption plan or find resources to parent, and provide heartfelt guidance and support to lead you to a place of stability and hope.
Stepparent Adoption
Stepparent adoption allows a stepparent to become the legal parent of their spouse’s child. This is a special event that brings a blended family together and formalizes the close relationship between a child and their stepparent, who loves and cares for them as their own. We will work with you to determine the best approach to amicably obtain consent from the other parent or a court order terminating parental rights. A stepparent adoption does not mean stopping pre-existing regular contact between the child and the other parent or changing the nature of their relationship. We approach each decision with the child’s best interests at heart and strive to choose the optimal path for the child’s future.
Adult Adoption
Adult adoption is a truly touching opportunity for individuals at least 18 years old to choose to be adopted and establish a legal parent-child relationship by a person or persons at least 10 years older. This is an excellent option for a stepparent or legal guardian who raised an individual throughout childhood or foster parents who can finally be the loving, forever family they yearned to be. There are no expensive adoption fees, no investigation, and the birth parents do not need to consent or be given notice of the adoption. We love seeing the joy and sense of belonging brought about by adult adoptions.
Dismissal of Dependency
If Child Protective Services (CPS) detains a child, California allows a birth parent to place the child for adoption through a private adoption agency to prevent the child from remaining in foster care indefinitely or being adopted by an unknown family. This little-known option that empowers birth parents to choose an adoptive family and have contact after the adoption instead of losing their parental rights involuntarily. Every child deserves the stability and permanency of an adoptive family as quickly as possible to reduce the impact of trauma caused by removal from the birth parents.
Guardianship
When a biological parent cannot care for their child for whatever reason, guardianship offers an option for someone else to have the legal authority to care for the child and provide for their daily medical, educational, and financial needs until the child turns 18 or the guardianship is terminated. Unlike adoption, guardianship does not terminate parental rights of the biological parents and the court oversees the placement until the child turns 18. Guardianship is a complex process involving numerous documents and notice to the child’s relatives. Our office will work with you to ensure that all of the requirements are met prior to the hearing to grant the guardianship.
Embryo Adoption
Embryo adoption is a cutting-edge option for adoptive families who are able to carry a child to term and donor families who want to bless another family with their extra embryos. The process requires a notarized agreement specifying the wishes of both families and the embryos can be transferred from the current storage facility to the receiving family’s fertility clinic. The agreement does not need to be filed with the court, nor is there a need for a home study or state oversight. Our office will create a custom agreement that reflects the wishes of both families and coordinate with the fertility clinics to ensure the transfer goes smoothly. Avoid the wait time of adoption and contact our office to see if embryo adoption is a good fit for you.
“If you need an adoption attorney,
Sharon is truly the best.”
— Rebekah and Kramer
Schedule a Consultation
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to assess your case, provide an overview of the process, and offer recommendations for next steps.