Top Drummonds, TN Stepparent Adoption Lawyers Near You
9032 Stone Walk Place, Germantown, TN 38138
6075 Poplar Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38119
131 West Liberty Ave, Covington, TN 38019
2820 Summer Oaks Drive, Bartlett, TN 38134
6070 Poplar Ave, Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38119
5050 Poplar Ave., Suite 1430, Memphis, TN 38157
2148 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 355, Memphis, TN 38117
275 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
619 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104
8066 Walnut Run Rd, Ste 222, Cordova, TN 38018
5350 Poplar Ave, Suite 800, Memphis, TN 38120
5384 Poplar Ave, Suite 333, Memphis, TN 38119
320 S. Walnut Bend Rd., Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018
668 Colonial Road, Suite 4, Memphis, TN 38117
202 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
5050 Poplar Avenue Suite 2441, i-Bank Tower, Memphis, TN 38157
6750 Poplar Ave, Suite 820, Memphis, TN 38138
6060 Primacy Pkwy, Suite 401, Memphis, TN 38119
5050 Poplar Avenue, Suite 1616, Memphis, TN 38157
6075 Poplar Ave, Suite 403, Memphis, TN 38119
200 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 711, Memphis, TN 38103
114 W Liberty Ave, Suite 202, Covington, TN 38019
1715 Aaron Brenner Drive, Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38120
100 Peabody Place, Suite 1300, Memphis, TN 38103
Drummonds Stepparent Adoption Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Drummonds
Lead Counsel independently verifies Stepparent Adoption attorneys in Drummonds and checks their standing with Tennessee 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 Drummonds?
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 Tennessee?
- 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