Adoption Attorney
Adopting a child is a great act of love, however, an overwhelming adoption process and complex law frustrate many prospective parents.
The adoption attorneys at Gordon, Tepper, DeCoursey, Powers & Simon, LLP can work to ensure your adoption goes smoothly.
Our family law team in Saratoga Springs, NY, can help you adopt in-state, nationwide, or even internationally.
What Is Adoption?
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Adoption is the process of a person who is not a child’s biological parent assuming the rights and responsibilities of parenthood under the law. There are many types of adoption, such as step-parent adoption or private adoption. Our lawyers can help you understand your options and protect you and your family’s rights throughout an adoption.
Our Qualified Adoption Lawyers Protect Your Family's Rights
"We feel safe protected and fought for." HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS
Tanya Lewis
We are working them on an adoption case and we have been met with love, grace patience etc. The process has been smooth sailing fast and efficient. We feel like old friends really. It's extremely processional but also casual where it needs to be. We feel safe protected and fought for. It does not feel like we are just a number and they are out to get our money
View on GoogleTypes of Adoption Our Lawyers Handle
There are many types of adoption for you to choose from. Navigating these types on your own can feel impossible due to varying state, national, and international adoption laws. Our attorneys have helped people throughout the Saratoga region with the following adoption categories:
Agency Adoption
Agencies follow certain rules, regulations, and protocols, which can be comforting for prospective adoptive parents. You may choose private or public adoption agencies. Our attorneys can review and explain each agency’s requirements before you make your decision. Determining your eligibility now can prevent serious frustration later.
Independent Adoption
Not all domestic adoptions have to go through an agency. If the biological parent or parents wish to put their child up for adoption, they may choose independent or private adoption. This adoption may be open or closed, depending on what the biological parent or parents request. During these cases, it is especially important to have an attorney help you understand your adoption agreement.
International Adoption
Depending on the country you seek to adopt from, you may be subject to certain legal limitations. For example, you may have to meet age limits or marriage status specifications. Some countries do not allow adoption from LGBTQ+ couples or individuals. Our attorneys can advise you regarding international adoption fees, immigrant visas for your child, and more.
Relative Adoption
If you are related to a child by blood, then you may be able to pursue a relative adoption. Step-parents and those related to the child by marriage can also pursue relative adoption. A key obstacle our team can help you overcome is obtaining the voluntary or involuntary dissolution of the child's current parent or guardian's rights.
Adoption Is Possible For Many Types of Familie
Reach out to our New York office to learn more.
The law protects both adoptive and birth parents, giving them these two important legal options.
Qualifications matter. Our work earned us recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Best Law Firms”
Protect Your Family's Future With a Highly Rated Adoption Lawyer
Years of family law practice are irreplaceable. During our decades serving adoptive parents, we have earned many honors. These include being listed on New York Super Lawyers® and earning the best possible peer rating from the esteemed attorney evaluator Martindale-Hubbell®.
We deeply understand the adoption process and are proud to use our knowledge to help families create strong foundations for happy futures. By ensuring the legal process of adoption is done correctly, new families can step forward with stability and peace of mind.
Call or write to our Saratoga Springs, NY, office to speak to our adoption attorneys today.
(518) 399-5400
"The ONLY attorney I will use." REASSURANCE FROM OUR CLIENTS
Stephanie LS
I was represented by Nicole Helmer Simon in a rather long and high conflict custody situation. Nicole and her paralegal, Katie Weinberg, put in a great deal of time and energy to insure my children’s best interests were protected. I was guided as to how I could adequately prepare myself for all court proceedings and due to Nicole and Katie’s efforts, a solid case was built. Both were always open and honest regarding the various steps in the process, listened to my concerns, and took the time to answer my never ending list of questions . In addition, they were reliable and due to their vast knowledge of family law, dedication to my case, and extensive experience, the case was eventually settled shortly after trial commenced. I am grateful I was referred to the firm to represent me for such an important matter.
View on GoogleEstablishing Your Parental Rights
Adoption law can ensure that you have parental rights, even if you are not the child's biological parent. Before you can adopt a child, the rights of their biological parent or parents will likely need to be terminated.
The process of terminating and transferring parental rights can differ greatly. In some cases, a state agency has already assumed responsibility for the child and you must navigate their bureaucracy. In others where parental rights are voluntarily terminated, it is still wise to have a lawyer representing your interests.
Adopting a child in New York can be a very complicated process. Our highly rated lawyers understand this and strive to make adoption seamless. From answering your questions about the law to fighting for your growing family's rights, our Saratoga Springs, NY, lawyers can provide the stable foundation both parents and children need.
Will Birth Parents Still Have to Pay Child Support After an Adoption?
No, a birth parent or birth parents will not owe child support.
Because adopting a child typically means a parent or parents' legal and financial obligations are dissolved, they will not have to pay any further costs.
Our Adoption Attorneys Serve Parents Throughout New York
The representation we provide clients earned us recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the "Best Law Firms". For representation in an adoption or other family law case, contact the attorneys at our Saratoga Springs, NY, office.
