WE CARE LEGAL SERVICES
(1-855-LAW-FAMILY)
Available 24/7 for Divorce, Child Custody, Support, Protection From Abuse, and Adoption Assistance.
www.WeCareLegalPa.com.
Always a free consultation.
By Jan Grossman, Esq.
For those of you loving step-parents who nurture your step-children as your own, legal adoption in Bucks County can be a quick, positive and family-bonding experience. If the natural parent has died or gives their consent, this is the easy three-step process:
1. Gather supporting documentation and consents (if necessary).
2. File the Adoption papers.
3. Attend the supportive and family-friendly adoption hearing.
At WE CARE LEGAL SERVICES, 1-855-LAW-FAMILY, our supportive, experienced attorneys make this process affordable, sensitive to your child’s needs, and a wonderful family transition. Once the adoption is complete, the step-parent is the legal parent, with all of the rights and privileges of a legal parent. The legal bond is permanent. The child’s birth certificate can be changed as part of the process with the new parent’s name as “Parent,” along with a new last name (or even first middle names) if the family or child so desires.
At WE CARE LEGAL SERVICES, our entire adoption process is geared around the child, at the child’s level of development. If the adoptive parents feel it’s appropriate, the adoptive child can be part of the discussion, preparation, hearing rehearsal, and name selection. We see this as a two-way process. The step-parent adopts the child and the child lovingly chooses the step-parent.
The adoption hearing itself is typically held in a private room, with only family and court staff present. Our Bucks County adoption judges are kind and patient with the child to be adopted. The hearing itself typically ends up giving the family positive memories. After the adoption is complete, the judge usually allows pictures with the judge and the adoption certificate. After the hearing is complete, our adoptive families typically go out for a celebratory lunch at, of course, the child’s favorite restaurant.
If you think a step-parent adoption may be right for your family, please call us at 1-855-LAW-FAMILY. At no charge, we will sit down and review your personal situation. This is the type of family law that is truly a joy to practice.
