Adoption
Stepparent, kinship, agency, independent, and adult adoption matters — from petition through finalization.
What you should know
Adoption is a meaningful legal process that builds families. Each path comes with its own steps, paperwork, and emotional considerations — we provide steady, experienced guidance for every type.
Active member of the California State Bar (Bar #244097), admitted 2006. We help individuals and families across Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and Amador Counties navigate adoption with care from the first consultation through final court order.
California recognizes several paths
Each type follows distinct procedures and consent requirements.
Stepparent Adoption
A stepparent adopts their spouse’s or partner’s child. Often the most common adoption type — and usually the most procedurally streamlined.
Relative (Kinship) Adoption
A grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative steps in to provide permanent care for a child in the family.
Agency Adoption
Birth parents relinquish to a licensed agency, which selects and places the child with adoptive parents. Directed agency adoptions allow birth parents to name the placement.
Independent Adoption
Birth parents place the child directly with adoptive parents without agency involvement. Requires a written placement agreement, which becomes irrevocable after 30 days unless revoked.
Adult Adoption
Adults may adopt other adults — often to formalize a longstanding parent-child relationship for inheritance or recognition purposes.
Contested Adoptions
When a biological parent contests termination of rights, careful litigation is required. We’re prepared to handle contested matters through resolution.
Throughout the adoption process
Document preparation and filing. Petitions, consents, orders, and notices — prepared correctly the first time to avoid delays at hearing.
Termination of parental rights. When the biological parent’s rights need to be terminated, we handle the petition, service, and hearing.
Court representation. We appear at every required hearing — from the initial petition to the finalization.
Coordination with agencies. Where an adoption involves a licensed agency or the Department of Social Services, we manage communications and required reports.
Home study coordination. We can advise on the home study process and help respond to any issues that arise during evaluation.
Across the region
Scharf Law, P.C. is based in Folsom and serves families throughout the greater Sacramento region.
Common questions about adoption
How does a stepparent adoption work in California?
The stepparent files a petition in the county where they live, the court or an investigator prepares a report, and the other biological parent either consents or has their parental rights terminated after notice and a hearing. If that parent has abandoned the child, meaning no contact or support for a year or more with intent to abandon, the court can proceed without consent under Family Code Section 7822.
What types of adoption are there?
Stepparent and domestic-partner adoptions, independent adoptions arranged directly with birth parents, agency adoptions through licensed private or public agencies, relative or kinship adoptions, adoptions following a juvenile dependency case, and adult adoptions. Each has its own consent, investigation, and timing rules.
How long does an adoption take?
A stepparent adoption with a consenting parent often finalizes in four to eight months, depending on the court’s investigation schedule. Independent and agency adoptions typically take longer because of home studies and the birth parent consent process. Contested cases where a parent’s rights must be terminated take the longest.
Can an adult be adopted?
Yes. Under Family Code Section 9300 and following, an adult can be adopted by another adult, commonly to formalize a long-standing parent-child relationship. The adoptee consents, the biological parents’ consent is not required, and the process is generally simpler than a minor adoption.
Does adoption end the birth parent's rights and obligations?
Yes. A final adoption order terminates the legal relationship between the child and the birth parent, including support obligations and inheritance rights, and creates a new legal parent-child relationship. Some adoptions include a post-adoption contact agreement that allows continued communication.
General information about California law, reviewed by attorney Taryn M. Scharf (CA State Bar #244097), Scharf Law, P.C., Folsom, CA. It is not legal advice for any specific situation. Ask about your case or call (916) 782-3900.
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Scharf Law, P.C. — 2330 E Bidwell St, Suite 110, Folsom, CA 95630-3897
— (916) 782-3900
Taryn M. Scharf, Esq. — CA State Bar #244097
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