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Compassionate, Dedicated Lawrence Adoption Attorneys

At Joseph, Hollander & Craft, our Lawrence adoption attorneys know that adopting a child can be one of the most exciting events of a lifetime. Our Lawrence adoption attorneys can help guide you through the legal process of adoption so you can focus on the exciting moments.

The law surrounding adoptions in Kansas depends on the type of adoption and the age of the child. In all adoptions, the first step is to file a petition with the court. Once a petition is filed, there are various requirements the court may require adoptive parents to fulfill, such as a background check and home assessment. Consent may also have to be obtained from the birth parents. This process can be complex, but JHC’s Lawrence, Kansas, adoption lawyers know how to navigate it with ease.

Adoption Options

Our Lawrence, Kansas, family law attorneys assist with step-parent adoption, kinship adoption, and guardianship for minors.

• Step-Parent Adoption. JHC’s Lawrence, Kansas, adoption attorneys work with clients to foster and formalize their family relationships. We will help you understand the legal requirements and provide you with our objective legal advice regarding any potential issues. We will then advocate for you and your family in court.
• Kinship Adoption / Family Adoption. JHC’s Lawrence adoption lawyers assist other family members seeking to adopt as well. Whether you are a grandparent wanting to adopt a grandchild, an aunt wanting to adopt a niece, or an elder sibling prepared to take on the role of parent, we can help you with your kinship adoption needs.
• On some occasions, families decide to proceed with guardianship for a minor child instead of an adoption. Our Lawrence adoption attorneys can advise you regarding your options and assist your family in establishing either a temporary or permanent guardianship.

Contact Our Lawrence Adoption Attorneys

JHC’s Lawrence adoption lawyers can help families of every kind. We assist single individuals, LGBTQIA+ couples, and opposite-sex couples grow their families through adoption. Call our Lawrence, Kansas, adoption attorneys today to discuss your options.

FAQs

What legal steps are involved in adopting?

The first legal step involved in adoption is filing a petition with the court. The court may then order adoptive parents to complete state-specific requirements for adoption, such as home assessments and background checks. Depending on the circumstances, the court may need to obtain consent from the person to be adopted, the birth parents, and/or the adoption agency. In both independent and agency adoption, the court requires the petitioner, the person who filed the adoption petition, to obtain an assessment by a court-approved agency or social worker. A criminal background check is also required. If the court finds that all requirements have been met, receives any/all necessary consent, and determines that the adoption would be in the best interest of the child, it may issue a decree ordering the adoption to be finalized.

What does an adoption attorney do?

JHC’s adoption lawyers listen to our clients’ goals and advise them regarding what legal options are available. We help our clients understand all eligibility requirements, assist them in preparing for the legal process, counsel them regarding potential complications that do or may arise, ensure the legal portion is handled efficiently and effectively, and take care of all legal drafting, noticing, and courtroom work.