Taking the Steps Towards Adoption
Adoption is a beautiful and life-changing legal process that allows individuals and families to provide a permanent, loving home for a child. Whether you're a stepparent looking to formalize your role, a relative stepping in to care for a child, or a hopeful parent pursuing private or agency adoption, each path comes with its own set of legal steps, paperwork, and emotional considerations. The adoption process can be deeply rewarding—but also complex and time-sensitive. Having an experienced adoption attorney by your side ensures that every legal requirement is met, potential complications are addressed early, and the journey toward growing your family is as smooth and secure as possible. Our office is here to guide, support, and celebrate with you every step of the way.
Different Kinds of Adoptions
California recognizes several types of adoption, each with distinct procedures and requirements. These include agency adoptions, independent adoptions, intercountry adoptions, stepparent adoptions, and adult adoptions.
Agency Adoptions: In this type of adoption, the birth parents relinquish their child to a licensed adoption agency, which then selects the adoptive parents and places the child with them. The relinquishment terminates the birth parents' rights and responsibilities. Directed agency adoptions allow birth parents to name specific adoptive parents, but they retain certain rights if the placement is disrupted before completion
Independent Adoptions: Here, the birth parents directly place the child with the adoptive parents without involving an agency. The birth parents must execute an independent adoption placement agreement, which becomes irrevocable after 30 days if not revoked.
Intercountry Adoptions: These involve adopting a child from another country. The adoptive parents or agency must comply with both U.S. and foreign laws. If finalized abroad, the adoption may require readoption in California to ensure compliance with state laws.
Stepparent Adoptions: A stepparent may adopt their spouse's or partner's child. This process often involves the consent or termination of the other biological parent's rights.
Adult Adoptions: Adults may adopt other adults, often to formalize a parent-child relationship for inheritance or other legal purposes.
Our Adoption Services:
Our office assists clients throughout the entirety of the process, here are some parts specifically for example:
- Preparing and filing all legal documents
- Court representation at adoption hearings
- Termination of parental rights (when necessary)
- Assistance with background checks and home studies
- Coordination with adoption agencies or social workers
- Handling contested adoptions
Retaining Scharf Law, P.C.
Adoption is a meaningful journey that changes lives—both for the child and the family opening their home. While the legal process can feel overwhelming at times, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our office is here to walk with you every step of the way, ensuring every detail is handled with care, precision, and compassion. Managing Attorney Taryn Scharf brings both legal skill and a deep understanding of the emotional importance of this moment, providing steady guidance from your first consultation to finalization in court. Whether you're just beginning the process or need help resolving an issue mid-way, we’re here to help make your dream of growing your family a reality.
