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Stepparent Adoption
Choosing a Washington Adoption Lawyer
Stepparent adoption is perhaps one of the most common forms of adoption in the United States. In stepparent adoption proceedings, one parent agrees to terminate his or her parental rights so that the other parent's new spouse or partner can adopt the child.
Provided that the adoption is uncontested, this can be a relatively straightforward process. The prospective adoptive parent must also be:
- Approved by a social worker who conducts an investigation called a post-placement study, and
- The court must give final approval.
Without a parent's consent to terminate his/her parental rights or a forced termination for other reasons, the process can be substantially more difficult, if not impossible.
The Adoption Process in Washington State
- Consent - The first step in any adoption case is attaining the biological parents' consent. This can be done via signing an affidavit.
- Petition for Adoption - In order to commence the adoption process with the Court, the parties must submit the petition for adoption.
- Post-Placement Evaluation - The court will appoint a social worker to interview both parents and ask questions about their background, employment, etc.
- Confirmation of Consent - If you are adopting in King County, Washington, then you will need to submit a confirmation of consent from the biological parents.
- Finalization Hearing - At this hearing, both parties appear in court together with the adoptive child to make their case that this adoption is in the best interests of the child. The judge or court commissioner reviews the documents and finalizes the adoption.
- Documentation - The parents should receive certified copies of the Decree of Adoption after it is signed. Within 30 days, the decree will be sent to the Vital Statistics Division so a new birth certificate can be created.
Your Premier Family Law Firm for Stepparent Adoptions
Having served thousands of clients over 25 years, McKinley Irvin family lawyers have successfully represented clients in all types of adoption cases. From straightforward, uncontested stepparent adoptions to more complex contested cases, our firm has the experience you need to arrive at the most favorable outcome. To find the lawyer best suited for your stepparent adoption case, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
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Client testimonials
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"I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest."My daughter is the sunshine of my life. I felt despair and a sense of helplessness on the day I was served. On the first appointment day when I arrived at the office and sat down with my lawyer, 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 (and the best interest of my child). Thank you McKinley Irvin!- Christine P.
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"Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year."Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year. We’re really glad you are on our side.- P.O.
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"I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser."David remained very level headed and family focused throughout our proceedings. That said, I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser during an otherwise difficult time.- T.M.
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"We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services."In our search for a reputable law firm to handle my sister’s divorce case, we explored our options until we found the McKinley Irvin law firm. McKinley Irvin has, through our experience, proven to be compassionate, understanding and patient during the long term process of my sister’s case. Due to her disabilities she needed more than the legalities and McKinley Irvin was able to provide their knowledge as well as the assurance to my sister that her case would be handled in her best interest. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for all that the McKinley Irvin law firm has done for us. We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services.- P.M.
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"I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me."Without David and Sam, there is no way I could have made it through this exceptionally difficult time in my life. I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me, nor a better firm to handle my affairs. You all have been wonderful!- M.L.
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"My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up."My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up and was very knowledgeable on custody issues.- R.R.
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"You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this."I would like to give my sincere appreciation to Jennifer Payseno and staff. You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this most difficult time. Thank you for not only being my attorney but becoming part of our extended family.- M.F.
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"Thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you."Dave, thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you.- R.C.