Family Lawyer

Finding the best adoption agency in the US requires verifying five critical elements: state licensing, Hague accreditation for international adoptions, Council on Accreditation (COA) certification, transparent fee structures, and ethical practices that prioritize birth parents’ rights. Start by checking the USCIS Adoption Service Provider Directory for accredited agencies, then verify their standing with your state’s…

No, in almost all circumstances, a father cannot give a child up for adoption without the mother’s consent. Both biological parents have equal legal rights to their child, and adoption requires the consent of both legal parents to terminate parental rights. The mother’s consent is legally mandatory in the vast majority of adoption cases. There…

Yes, in certain circumstances. A mother can proceed with adoption without the biological father’s consent if he has abandoned the child, failed to establish paternity, hasn’t registered with the state’s putative father registry, or his parental rights have been legally terminated. However, if the father has legally established his paternity and maintained involvement with the…

Minimum 6 Months, But Reality is 18-24 Months According to state law, a family must foster a child for at least 6 months before adopting them, but the actual timeline typically extends much longer. The average length of time (for children who are not reunited with their birth family) is about two years. It generally…

The Short Answer: It Depends on Your State and Specific Circumstances Adoption subsidies are typically intended to assist with the child’s care and may not count as income for child support calculations, but some states include them in support formulas based on who receives the subsidy. The treatment varies significantly across jurisdictions, making it crucial…

Choosing the right adoption center is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your adoption journey. Florida has dozens of licensed adoption centers, each offering different services, approaches, and specialties. The good news? We’ve done the research to help you find the perfect match for your family. Finding the best child adoption center…

Thinking about adopting a child in Florida? You’re probably feeling excited and maybe a little overwhelmed by all the legal stuff you’ll need to handle. Don’t worry – thousands of families go through this process every year, and with the right information, you can too. Florida has pretty clear rules about adoption, all laid out…

Want to legally adopt your stepchild but the biological father refuses to sign? You’re not stuck. Courts can terminate his parental rights in specific situations, clearing the path for your adoption. Here’s what you need to know about adopting without consent and whether your case has a real shot at success. 4 Ways to Adopt…

Let me tell you something I hear often in my practice: “Is it wrong to place my child for adoption? What does God think about this decision?” These are heavy questions, and if you’re asking them, you’re already showing incredible love for your child. It is not a sin to place your baby for adoption….