Top Chesapeake, VA Adoption Lawyers Near You
1 Old Oyster Point Rd.One Old Oyster Point Rd., Suite 240, Newport News, VA 23602
In Chesapeake, Virginia area, Haugh & Lemm, PLLC can help clients with their Adoption needs.
Virtual Appointments
1545 Crossways Blvd, Suite 250, Chesapeake, VA 23320
501 Village Avenue, Suite 104, Yorktown, VA 23693
780 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
575 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Suite 310, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
2725 Gator St, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
709 Greenbrier Pkwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320
133 Mount Pleasant Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322
321 Johnstown Rd, Suite D, Chesapeake, VA 23322
5041 Corporate Woods Dr, Suite G180, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
5101 Cleveland St, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
249 Central Park Ave, Ste. 300-93, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
425 W 20th St, Suite 5, Norfolk, VA 23517
1307 Jamestown Road, Suite 201, Williamsburg, VA 23185
910 West Mercury Blvd., Suite 2A, Hampton, VA 23666
256 W Freemason Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
PO Box 56380, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
1108 Madison Plaza, Suite 203, Chesapeake, VA 23320
565 N Birdneck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
575 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 240, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
1215 George Washington Memorial Highway, Suite K, Yorktown, VA 23693
291 Independence Blvd, Suite 530, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
303 34th St, Suite 8, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
9963 Warwick Blvd, Suite A, Newport News, VA 23601
505 Independence Parkway, Suite 220, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Chesapeake Adoption Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Adoption attorneys in Chesapeake and checks their standing with Virginia bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Adoption Law?
Adoption law is the legal process of becoming a child’s legal parent. Adoption establishes a permanent legal relationship between you, your spouse or partner, and an adoptive child. Adoption is highly regulated by state law. There are many different types of adoption, including:
- Open adoption
- Closed adoption
- Private adoption
- Foster child adoption
- Step-child adoption
- International adoption
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need an Adoption Lawyer?
Many couples are surprised to find out how complex and expensive the adoption process can be. Trying to do an adoption on your own can end up being more costly than working with an adoption attorney. Some examples of other situations where you might need an adoption lawyer include:
- Your adoption falls through
- The child’s birth parents change their minds about adoption
- You want to adopt a child from another country
- The child’s birth parents want to stay in contact after the adoption
How Can an Adoption Lawyer Help Me?
An adoption lawyer can review your adoption case and explain your legal options. They can explain the legal process and make sure you are prepared for what to expect. When it is time to file the adoption papers with the court, your lawyer can prepare the documentation so the court process runs smoothly. In your adoption case, your lawyer can help:
- Identify the right adoption agency for your needs
- Prepare adoption paperwork and explain the terms
- Gather information for your background check
- Negotiate the costs and terms of the adoption
- Explain Virginia and federal adoption laws
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire an Adoption Lawyer?
If you don’t hire an adoption lawyer, you run the risk of complications with the adoption process. Adoption involves the legal process of becoming the child’s legal parent. If there are problems with the legal adoption payers, it can cause a delay or disputes over parental rights. Without proper legal review, your adoption case may involve:
- Delays that threaten the adoption
- Problems with international adoptions and immigration
- Return of the birth parents asserting their rights
- An unknown birth parent challenging the adoption
- Having undisclosed physical or mental health issues with the child
What Are the Top Questions When Choosing an Adoption Lawyer in Chesapeake?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that your adoption attorney has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many adoption lawyers offer an initial consultation so you can understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions include:
- What is your experience in handling adoptions in Virginia?
- Have you managed adoption cases like mine?
- What is your approach to handling adoption cases with special needs children?
- What is your record for successful adoption cases?
- How will you communicate with me about the progress of my case?
- What is your fee and billing structure?
Tips for Hiring an Adoption Lawyer
Take the time to find an adoption lawyer who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find a lawyer who understands your adoption needs and goals and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about billing and fees
- Trust your instincts