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Joseph, Hollander & Craft’s Topeka adoption attorneys want the adoption process to be exciting, not overwhelming. We aim to guide you through the legal process of adoption compassionately and efficiently so that you can focus on your family.

Topeka Adoption Attorneys Here To Guide You

Adoption in Kansas requires the filing of a legal case in district court. It begins with a petition for adoption setting out specific information required by the Kansas Adoption and Relinquishment Act. The law sets notice and consent requirements, and a court hearing is required before a judge can issue a decree of adoption.

JHC’s Topeka adoption lawyers are well versed on the legal requirements for Kansas adoptions. We help our clients understand what legal options are available and guide them to accomplish their adoption goals. We offer counsel to address any complications that arise in the process; manage all of legal drafting, noticing, and court appearances; and ensure our clients’ adoption cases proceed as smoothly as possible.

Topeka Adoption and Guardianship Lawyers

Our Topeka family law attorneys represent individuals and couples in step-parent adoptions, family adoptions, and guardianships.

• Step-Parent Adoption. Many step-parents seek to adopt step-children to formalize a familial bond. JHC’s Topeka step-parent adoption attorneys can advise you regarding the legal requirements, ensure you have all necessary consents and evidence to help you accomplish your goal, and advocate for you and your family in court.
• Family Adoption / Kinship Adoption. Our Topeka adoption lawyers are delighted to help all family members who function as parents formalize that role.
• Guardianship of Minor Children. Upon considering their options, some families decide to proceed with guardianship for a minor child instead of adoption. JHC’s Topeka family law attorneys can help you determine if guardianship makes more sense for your family and help you pursue guardianship of the minor children you care for.

Topeka Adoption Attorneys for All Kinds of Families

JHC’s Topeka adoption attorneys are committed to ensuring that all Kansas families can adopt. We assist opposite sex couples, LGBTQIA+ couples, and single individuals with adoption proceedings in Shawnee County, Jackson County, Jefferson County, Douglas County, Osage County, and Wabaunsee County. Let us help you accomplish your adoption goals.

Call our Topeka, Kansas, adoption attorneys today to discuss your options.

FAQs About Adoption

Do you have to be married to adopt in Kansas?

No. While some adoption agencies only facilitate adoptions for married couples, Kansas law allows any adult to adopt. However, a married person cannot adopt without consent from his or her spouse.

Does a child have to consent to adoption?

A child who is 14 or older will have to consent to being adopted.

How does the court determine whether to grant my petition for adoption?

In addition to reviewing whether technical statutory requirements for adoption are satisfied, the judge considers the best interests of the child.  If all technical requirements have been met and the judge determines the requested adoption is in the child’s best interests, the judge will grant the petition and enter a final decree of adoption.

How long does the adoption process take?

Kansas law requires the court to hold a hearing on each adoption petition within 60 days of its filing. If all statutory requirements are satisfied and the judge determines that adoption would be in the best interests of the child, a decree of adoption can be signed and filed on the hearing date.