Adoption

Recent Posts in the Adoption Category

  • Common Obstacles When Stepparents and Second Parents Adopt

    Common Obstacles When Stepparents and Second Parents Adopt Although being a stepparent is rewarding, many stepparents struggle when they encounter situations in which the legal rights associated with parenthood don’t apply to the relationship they have with their stepchildren. That is why stepparent adoption is such a major milestone for blended families. There are two common types of adoption in Washington, stepparent adoption and second-parent adoption. Stepparent adoption is a legal process by which the spouse of one of the biological parents legally adopts the child and the ...
    Continue reading >>
  • FAQ: Stepchild Adoption In Oregon

    FAQ: Stepchild Adoption In Oregon Oregon residents who want to adopt a stepchild should work closely with an experienced adoption attorney who can take the time to walk them through each phase of the process. In this blog, our attorneys answer common questions that clients ask us about adopting stepchildren in Oregon. Question #1: Can a stepparent adopt a stepchild in Oregon? A: If a stepparent wants to adopt a stepchild, they must be an Oregon resident for at least 6 months and both biological parents must give consent. However, permission from both ...
    Continue reading >>
  • FAQ: Adopting a Child in Washington

    FAQ: Adopting a Child in Washington Deciding to adopt a child is a huge step that will substantially impact the lives of everyone involved. For those hoping to become adoptive parents, it’s crucial to understand the laws for adoption in the state of Washington. Question #1: Who can legally adopt a child in Washington? A: Any person who is legally competent and eighteen years of age or older can be an adoptive parent in Washington. Adoptive parents must also have an approved home study. Question #2: What is a home study? A: The home study is an assessment that ...
    Continue reading >>
  • Common Family Law Issues for Same-Sex Couples

    Common Family Law Issues for Same-Sex Couples Marriage equality may have felt like a big leap and in many ways, it was, but we still have a long way to go before same-sex couples enjoy true legal equality in family matters. Just like any other couple, same sex-couples often wish to get married, start families, and live their lives with a healthy dose of peace and happiness. Unfortunately, certain legal issues and long-standing prejudice can stand in the way of family life for the LGBT community. Some of the more common family law issues for same-sex couples include: ...
    Continue reading >>
  • 5 Ways an Attorney Can Make the Adoption Process Easier

    5 Ways an Attorney Can Make the Adoption Process Easier Making the decision to adopt a child is an exciting time for your family, but the adoption process can be tricky without the guidance of an experienced attorney. It is important to retain qualified legal counsel to guide you through the adoption process to ensure that all aspects of the adoption run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. An attorney can also help you stay informed throughout the entire process so that you can avoid costly and time-consuming setbacks. Here’s why you should work with an attorney throughout ...
    Continue reading >>
  • The Stepparent's Guide to Adoption

    The Stepparent's Guide to Adoption Families pursue stepparent adoption for many reasons. Blending families is never easy, but stepparent adoption has many advantages and formalizes the relationship between a child and his/her stepmother or stepfather. Like any form of adoption, adoption by a stepparent can take time and may entail guidance from a family attorney. With the help of a Washington family law lawyer, you can navigate the legal process ahead. Learn more about stepparent adoption or get in touch with a legal representative from McKinley Irvin for ...
    Continue reading >>
  • The Best Countries for International Adoption

    The Best Countries for International Adoption Adoption is a big decision, and international adoptions come with even more choices. If you're considering an international adoption, the first question you need to answer is, "Where should I adopt my child from?" International adoptions can feel like an unending obstacle course of paperwork and legal complications, but some countries are more receptive to adoptions than other locations. Some of the most popular countries for international adoption are: China Ethiopia South Korea Ukraine Kazakhstan Haiti India The ...
    Continue reading >>
  • 7 Potential Adoption Roadblocks

    7 Potential Adoption Roadblocks Whether voluntary or involuntary, a parent's rights must be terminated before their child can be adopted. Adoptive parents will tell you that there are many potential roadblocks you can encounter along the way, so it is advised that you retain a skilled adoption lawyer. Below are some factors that could present difficulties on your road to adoption – Age In Washington, you can adopt as long as you are over the age of 18. However, age is still a factor judges might consider. What matters more than age though is how maturely ...
    Continue reading >>
Page of 2
  • Best Lawyers
  • Best Law Firms
  • Super Lawyers
  • AV Preeminent
  • Puget Sound Business Journal Washington's Best Workplaces 2023
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Best Lawyers - Lawyer of the Year 2024
  • Avvo Rating 10.0
  • "My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up. " R.R.
  • "We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services. " P.M.
  • "I knew I had made the right decision. From the beginning of my case to conclusion, I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest. " Christine P.
  • "I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me " M.L.
  • "I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser. " T.M.
Read More