Santa Barbara and Ventura Step-Parent Adoptions Attorney
California law provides for several different types of adoptions. There are agency adoptions, independent or direct adoptions, stepparent adoptions, and the adoption of an adult or married minor.
The basic legal effect of an adoption is that the adopted child becomes, for all legal purposes, without exception, the legal child of the adopting parent or parents. This means that the adopting parents are responsible for the support and care of the child, and for providing for the child's education. The birth parents of the adopted child are relieved of all parental duties towards the child and all responsibility for the child.
In all types of adoptions, the judge will not grant the Petition for Adoption unless the judge is convinced that the adoption is in the child's best interest. The judge's sole concern is the welfare of the child; he or she is not permitted to consider whether the adoption would be beneficial to the adopting parents or to any other party.
SPEAK WITH A SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA ADOPTION LAWYER
When facing issues regarding adoption, the most important step you can take is contacting an experienced family law and adoption attorney. When fighting for your rights, make sure you have a team with a proven track record. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.