Lincoln County Adoption Lawyer
Building your family through adoption is a complex process. Adoption sometimes requires a significant financial commitment and can be an emotional rollercoaster without proper legal intervention.
Working with an experienced family attorney experienced with adoption is essential to a smooth process. Regardless of your path toward adoption, a Lincoln County adoption lawyer could work with you and support you every step to ensure your growing family is secure and legally protected.
Adoption Law Basics
Kansas Statute § 59-2113 lists the requirements of an adoptive parent. Married couples may adopt, but both spouses must consent to the adoption. One spouse may not adopt if the other spouse is unwilling to adopt. Married same-sex couples may legally adopt, but adoption agencies can legally deny services to same-sex couples.
Birth Parent Consent
According to Kansas Statute § 59-2116, a birth mother must consent to adoption at least 12 hours after the child’s birth. Any consent the birth mother might have given before that time is voidable, meaning she can change her mind. A birth father can consent to an adoption at any time after the child’s birth or before the birth if the father has advice from independent legal counsel.
Private and Agency Adoption
Many families turn to private adoption or work with an agency when they are ready to expand their family. Through both methods, adoptive parents can learn about the biological parents—in some cases, it is possible to meet the birth mother.
Private Adoption
In a private adoption, a birth mother selects the couple or person they want to adopt their child. A licensed agency or private attorney usually facilitates the arrangement by matching prospective parents with birth mothers. The birth mother can choose whether to continue to be involved in the child’s life and determine how much contact they want.
Agency Adoption
Agencies generally have policies regarding whether the birth mother has continued contact with the child or adoptive parents. The agency often facilitates the match without the parents or birth mother ever meeting or knowing each other’s full names.
A Lincoln County attorney could provide more information on the differences between private and agency adoptions.
-
“A Dedicated Defense Attorney You Can Trust”
“Seth Brackman’s expertise and dedication make him a top choice for legal defense. Professional, talented, and ready to fight for your case.”Cole M. -
“Ticket Diverted, Money Saved!”
“Julie Garver at Addair Law saved me over $2,000 by successfully diverting my speeding ticket—absolutely no charge! Highly recommend their amazing service!”Austin H. -
“Outstanding Legal Support”
“Kyli at Addair Law went above and beyond, offering quick, compassionate help with my legal issue in Hiawatha, Kansas. I'm forever grateful for her support!”Nicole M. -
“Outstanding Legal Representation”
“Addair Law handled my case with compassion and dedication, delivering the best outcome possible. Special thanks to Bella Hager for her tireless support!”Ronald O.
What Sets Addair Law Apart?
-
We provide legal services in both English and Spanish to ensure clear communication and personalized guidance for every client.
-
Access legal support from the comfort of your home with secure virtual consultations, tailored to fit your schedule.
-
Our approach prioritizes your needs and goals, with strategies designed to achieve the best outcomes for your unique situation.
-
With a deep understanding of the law and our community, we’re committed to protecting your rights and advocating for you every step of the way.
Relative, Stepparent, and Second Parent Adoption
Sometimes, a parent wants to adopt a child already in the family. This situation often arises when a parent dies or has their parental rights terminated. An aunt, uncle, or grandparent might adopt the child, ensuring they have full legal parental rights and giving the child full legal status within the new family unit.
Stepparents often adopt their spouse’s children they have been raising or helping to raise. There are no obstacles to stepparent adoption if the child’s parent agrees and the child’s other legal parent passes away.
If the child’s other legal parent is alive and does not consent to surrender their parental rights, the legal parent and stepparent must prove the other parent has not provided for the child emotionally or financially for at least two years before a court will allow an adoption. A seasoned adoption legal professional in Lincoln County could assist a couple in persuading an absent parent to surrender parental rights.