The Law Offices of Brandt & Dehncke, PLLC, are able to assist with adoptions.
Stepparent Adoption: Stepparent adoptions are fairly straight forward. If the biological parent is willing to release his/her rights, the adoption can take place at anytime. If the biological parent is unwilling to release his/her rights, the only way that the termination of parental rights and stepparent adoption can take place is if the custodial parent is able to prove:
A. The non-custodial parent has not provided substantial support for two years and
B. The non-custodial parent has not had significant contact with the child for the last two years.
Relative Adoption: Relatives are able to adopt fairly easily as long as the parents are willing to consider the adoption.
Brandt & Dehncke can assist with adoptions.
Non-Relative Adoption: Non-relative adoptions are more complicated. A home study by an adoption agency is required. The Parents’ consent is required and they will normally need their own attorney. Typically, the adopting parents will pay all the legal expenses and medical expenses associated with the adoption.
Guardians Adopting: Guardians are able to pursue involuntary termination of parental rights if they wish to adopt the children. The Guardian must be able to prove that:
A. The parent has failed to comply with a Guardianship Plan or
B. The parent has failed to provide support and has failed to maintain contact with the children.
