Adoptions
Ideally, children are raised in a healthy, loving home by both biological parents, but that is not always an option. When a biological parent dies, abandons a child, struggles with substance abuse, is mentally ill, or is otherwise uninvolved, it may be in a child’s best interest to be adopted by a step-parent or family member. In extraordinary circumstances, it may be in a child’s best interest to terminate the parental rights of a biological parent in order to make the child available for adoption by a step-parent or family member.
For a child to be available for adoption, the parental rights of at least one biological parent must be terminated either voluntarily (i.e., with the biological parent’s consent) or involuntarily (i.e., over the biological parent’s objection). It is admirable when a step-parent or family member chooses to adopt a child, but it comes with legal obligations. The adoption process is a detailed process and can be quite adversarial, if contested. There are also several requirements for a parent who seeks to terminate his or her parental rights.
At Frigo Joe Law, we will discuss with you the legal consequences of terminating your parenting rights or adopting a step-child or family member. We will help you navigate the process, ensure all requirements are met, and advocate for your legal rights.
Laurie Joe & Lisa Frigo
Attorneys at Law
