Top Devon, PA Stepparent Adoption Lawyers Near You
90 East State Street, PO Box 1989, Doylestown, PA 18901
1608 Walnut St, Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19103
230 South Broad Street, Suite 1650, Philadelphia, PA 19102
501 Cambria Avenue, Suite 250, Bensalem, PA 19020
Stepparent Adoption Lawyers | Serving Devon, PA
107 N. Broad St, Suite 211, Doylestown, PA 18901
Suite 215, 630 Freedom Business Center Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406
104 South 6th Street, Perkasie, PA 18944
113 E Evans St, Suite D2, West Chester, PA 19380
Stepparent Adoption Lawyers | Serving Devon, PA
2444 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
1717 Arch St, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19103
131 West State Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
Two Bala Plaza, Suite 300, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
100 South Broad Street, Suite 1525, Philadelphia, PA 19110
1123 Street Rd, Unit 1, Southampton, PA 18966
320 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063-2632
100 E Court St, Doylestown, PA 18901
122 S. Church St., West Chester, PA 19382
527 Swede Street, Norristown, PA 19401
700 E Main St, Suite 200, Norristown, PA 19401
1221 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382
6950 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149
101 Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19083
626 S State Street, Newtown, PA 18940
Newtown Pavilion, 6 Penns Trl., Ste 202, Newtown, PA 18940
21 W Front St, Media, PA 19063
Devon Stepparent Adoption Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Devon
Lead Counsel independently verifies Stepparent Adoption attorneys in Devon and checks their standing with Pennsylvania 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 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 Devon?
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 Pennsylvania?
- 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