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AdoptHelp

Adoption Attorney in California

AdoptHelp Law Corporation
A Full-Service Adoption Law Firm

Adoption is one of the most meaningful journeys a family can take, but it is also a process that must follow strict legal requirements. Every state has its own laws on how adoptions must be completed, when consents can be signed, and what steps must be taken to finalize parental rights. Working with an experienced adoption attorney in California ensures that every detail is handled correctly, securely, and ethically.

At AdoptHelp, our attorneys specialize exclusively in adoption law. With over 25 years of experience and more than 3,000 successful cases, we provide full-service representation for every type of adoption and guardianship matter from straightforward agency placements to complex interstate adoption cases and contested trials. We are available 24/7 to guide you, prepare filings, represent you in court, and make sure your adoption plan complies with California and federal law.

Why You Need an Adoption Attorney in California

California adoption law regulates nearly every aspect of adoption, including:

  • How prospective adoptive parents may connect with birth parents.
  • What types of expenses may be provided to birth mothers and how they must be documented.
  • When and how adoption consents may be signed, and when they become irrevocable.
  • How birth parents must receive counseling and independent legal advice.
  • The process for interstate placements and ICPC approval.

Because each case is unique, working with a California adoption attorney ensures that all legal requirements are met and that the adoption cannot later be challenged. Our job is to protect your rights, prepare a secure plan, and manage the process from start to finish.

Adoption Services We Handle

Domestic Independent Adoptions & Domestic Agency Adoptions

In both independent adoption and agency adoptions, birth parents voluntarily choose the adoptive family they want to adopt their child. Independent Adoption (Direct Placement): The birth parent(s) physically and legally place the child directly with the adoptive parent(s) they choose, without the use of an adoption agency. Agency Adoption (Identified Placement): The birth parents relinquish the child to a licensed adoption agency, identify the adoptive family, and the agency then places the child with them. In both cases, adoptive parents gain immediate physical custody of the child. The primary difference is how legal custody is transferred. Whether through independent or agency adoption, you need a skilled California adoption attorney to terminate biological parent rights and secure a court order naming the adoptive parent(s) as the legal parent(s).

California Stepparent Adoptions

Stepparent adoptions allow a spouse to become the legal parent of their stepchild. This usually requires terminating the non-custodial parent’s rights unless they consent. California is also unique in allowing three-parent adoptions in limited circumstances under Family Code §7612(c), enabling a stepparent to be added while maintaining the rights of both biological parents.

California Second-Parent Adoptions (Confirmatory Adoptions)

Common among same-sex couples and families using assisted reproduction, second-parent adoptions ensure both parents are legally recognized as legal parents. This provides security for inheritance, custody, protection from discriminatory laws in other states and countries. California streamlines this process so that no court hearing is required, and typically, we can secure a court order within weeks.

California Relative Adoptions

Grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and other relatives may adopt a child when it serves the child’s best interest. These adoptions are often streamlined but still require court approval to secure permanent parental rights.

Outgoing International Adoptions

These occur when prospective adoptive parents living abroad adopt a child born in the United States. Outgoing international adoptions are governed by the Hague Convention. We guide both adoptive parents and birth parents through treaty requirements, ensure all consents meet international standards, and obtain approvals so the child can lawfully travel and reside abroad.

California Guardianships

Guardianships provide legal and physical custody of a child without permanently terminating parental rights. A guardianship suspends parental rights and authorizes the guardian to make all decisions for the child. It can be temporary or long-term, include visitation, and later be converted to adoption if circumstances change.

Contested Adoptions & Trials

We assist clients in contested adoption matters, including disputes over consent and termination of parental rights proceedings. With decades of experience, our attorneys are equipped to handle even the most complex adoption litigation.
Adoption Attorney in California

Adoption Planning and Case Management

Our team of adoption attorneys, case workers, and provider adoption agencies manages all aspects of an adoption from match to placement, including legal compliance, hospital plans, obtaining birth parent waivers and consents, distribution of birth mother living expenses through managed attorney-escrow accounts, and post-placement arrangements.

Every state has specific rules for when a birth parent can sign adoption consents and when those consents become irrevocable. We design adoption plans that provide the safest, fastest, and most cost‑effective path to securing irrevocable adoption consents.

Key Legal Protections in Adoption

Termination of Parental Rights and Placement

Adoption cannot move forward until the parental rights of the biological parents are legally addressed. This happens through either voluntary consent to adoption or court-ordered termination of rights. We handle the filings, hearings, and representation to ensure this step is completed securely and in compliance with California law.

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)

When a baby is placed with adoptive parents who do not reside in the state in which the birth mother resides, both the sending and receiving states must approve the placement before the child can travel across state lines to go to the home of the prospective adoptive parent(s). We specialize in obtaining these clearances quickly and efficiently.

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Compliance

If a child has Native American heritage, ICWA applies. We:
  • Assess applicability in every case.
  • Notify federally recognized tribes when required.
  • Obtain tribal clearances and handle court consents in compliance with federal law.

Superior Court Adoption Finalizations

Every adoption concludes with a court hearing before a California judge. We prepare and file all petitions, coordinate investigations, represent families in court, and assist in obtaining a new birth certificate listing the adoptive parent(s) and the child’s new name.

Support for Birth Parents

California law requires that birth parents can have their own independent adoption attorney. At AdoptHelp, all birth parents will have the ability to be represented by independent legal counsel.. This ensures all consents are voluntary, informed, and legally binding.
We also coordinate access to:

  • Counseling services.
  • Housing and living expense assistance (within California’s legal guidelines).
  • Prenatal and medical care.

Why Choose AdoptHelp Adoption Attorneys

  • Over 25 years dedicated exclusively to adoption law.
  • More than 3,000 completed cases.
  • Skilled in contested and complex adoption litigation.
  • Full-service representation for every type of adoption.
  • Available 24/7 for free consultations.
  • Client-focused, efficient, and compassionate representation.
Adoption Attorney in California

FAQs About Adoption Attorneys in California

What does an adoption attorney in California do?

An adoption attorney manages the entire legal process of adoption, including petitions, consents, terminations of parental rights, ICPC filings, hearings, and finalization. At AdoptHelp, we also handle complex matters such as contested adoptions, interstate adoptions, outgoing international adoptions as well as stepparent adoption, second-parent adoption, confirmatory adoption, and guardianships.

Why do I need an adoption attorney if I am already working with an agency?

Adoption agencies are the regulators of adoption that conduct home studies, provide counseling services, and are used to make sure that adoptions are safe for children. However, only a licensed adoption attorney can complete the legal requirements of adoption on your behalf. These services include, terminating parental rights of birth parents who do not sign relinquishments, initiating the court process on your behalf, and finalizing the adoption in court. Both professionals are often needed to ensure the process is legally sound.

Can AdoptHelp represent both adoptive parents and birth parents?

Yes. AdoptHelp can represent either the prospective adoptive parent(s) or the birth parent(s) in a California adoption but it will never represent both sides in the same case. This is referred to as dual representation and is heavily discouraged in the California Family Code. By law, every participant to the adoption has the right to independent counsel and this is always available in all cases.

What types of adoptions do your attorneys handle?

Our California adoption lawyers represent families in independent adoptions, agency adoptions, stepparent adoptions, second-parent (confirmatory) adoptions, relative adoptions, outgoing international adoptions, guardianships, and contested adoption cases.

How do adoption laws in California affect the process?

California adoption laws regulate when consents can be signed, how long they remain revocable, which expenses are permitted, and what procedures must be followed for ICPC, ICWA, and court hearings. An experienced adoption attorney ensures full compliance with these rules.

What is the difference between independent adoption and agency adoption?

In an independent adoption, birth parents place the child directly with the adoptive parents without custody of the child passing through an adoption agency. In an agency adoption, custody is first transferred to a licensed child placing or custodial adoption agency, which then places the child with the adoptive family. California adoption attorneys perform similar services irrespective of which placement method is utilized.

How does the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) affect adoption?

If a child is placed across state lines, ICPC approval from both the sending (state in which the birth mother resides) and receiving state (state in which the adopting parent resides) is required before the child can travel back home with the prospective adoptive parent(s). Our attorneys prepare and submit ICPC paperwork to secure clearance quickly and avoid delays. AdoptHelp has obtained ICPC clearances from all 50 states.

What happens if the child has Native American heritage?

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) applies to all adoptees who are eligible for enrollment in a federally recognized Native American Tribe. ICWA requires tribal consent before a Native American child can be adopted by Non-Native American adoptive parent(s). ICWA requires proper notice, additional legal steps for consent, and specific court approvals. Our attorneys assess ICWA applicability in every case and ensure compliance.

How long does adoption take in California?

California allows for birth parents to sign consents that become irrevocable within days of the birth, but it gives adoptive parents 180 days to make sure they want to become permanent parents. In other words, prospective adoptive parents have a six month opt-out period where they have the baby but can change their minds about the adoption. Since the California Family Code gives the adoptive parent(s) six months, most uncontested California adoptions finalize within a few weeks after the six-month period runs.

Do birth parents need their own adoption attorney?

They can waive independent counsel but they should not do so. California law ensures that birth parents have a right to free independent legal counsel. This ensures that the adoption is informed, ethical, and voluntary.

How much does an adoption attorney in California cost?

Costs depend on the type of adoption, whether parental rights are contested, and whether interstate or international laws apply. During your free consultation, we explain all expected fees and prior to proceeding with a case, we will provide a detailed accounting of all expected fees and third-party expenses.

Is the first consultation with an adoption attorney free?

Yes. At AdoptHelp, consultations are free and encouraged. You will speak directly with an attorney about our adoption programs, your situation, and next steps.
Adoption Attorney in California

Next Steps

If you are considering adoption or guardianship in California
contact AdoptHelp for a free confidential consultation

Our adoption attorneys will review your case, explain your options, and create a safe, legally sound plan for your family. Our attorneys are available 24/7 and all clients will have direct cell phone numbers for their attorney so they never have to worry about an issue that arises outside of typical office hours.

Adoption is life-changing. With the right legal team, you can move forward with confidence knowing that every detail is secure.

Contact Us to Request an Information Packet

Or to set up a complimentary phone or office consultation. We are excited to answer your questions 800-637-7999