Top Sunnyvale, CA Stepparent Adoption Lawyers Near You
1950 University Avenue, Suite 450, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
373 Meridian Ave, Ste B, San Jose, CA 95126
4555 Great America Pkwy, Suite 210, Santa Clara, CA 95054
3031 Tisch Way, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95128
615 National Ave, Suite 220, Mountain View, CA 94043
1702 Meridian Ave, Suite L260, San Jose, CA 95125
2570 N. 1st Street, Ste. 200, San Jose, CA 95131
111 N. Market Street, Suite 1020, San Jose, CA 95113
70 South First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
262 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030
3979 Freedom Cir, Suite 850, Santa Clara, CA 95054
1625 The Alameda, Suite 626, San Jose, CA 95126
171 Branham Lane, Ste 10, San Jose, CA 95136
3000 El Camino Real, 5 Palo Alto Square Suite 400, Palo Alto, CA 94306
1901 S. Bascom Avenue, #1550, Campbell, CA 95008
333 West Santa Clara Street, Suite 930, San Jose, CA 95113
1870 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
84 W Santa Clara St, Suite 756, San Jose, CA 95113
3175 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1130
133 Mission St, Suite 290, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
210 North 4th Street, Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95112
1100 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 363, San Jose, CA 95125
2121 41st Ave, STE 210, Capitola, CA 95010
435 Tasso Street, Suite 205, Palo Alto, CA 94301
1011 W. Taylor Street, San Jose, CA 95126
Sunnyvale Stepparent Adoption Information
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Lead Counsel independently verifies Stepparent Adoption attorneys in Sunnyvale and checks their standing with California 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.
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Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
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What Is Stepparent Adoption Law?
Stepparents generally have no legal parenting rights over their stepchildren. To become a legal parent, a stepparent can formally adopt their stepchild. Stepparent adoption law also deals with a birth parent giving up their parental rights, which can be an emotionally and legally complex matter.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Stepparent Adoption Lawyer?
As a stepparent, you must legally adopt your stepchild to have any parenting rights. This can include if you have established a strong relationship with your stepchild and their other biological parent is not in their life. Without an adoption, your stepchild will have no inheritance rights, and you will not have any legal decision-making authority.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me With a Stepparent Adoption?
A stepparent adoption lawyer can explain the adoption process and the benefits and responsibilities of adoption. They can help you with any adoption paperwork and court filings and represent you in family court. If there are any problems with getting permission from your stepchild’s other birth parent, your attorney can help you negotiate the adoption.
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 Sunnyvale?
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 California?
- 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