If you’re part of a gay or lesbian couple, you may be considering adoption. It’s a wonderful option for homosexual couples who are unable to conceive on their own, and there are so many kids who need loving homes. If you would be able to opening your heart up to nurturing a young life, consider adopting a son or daughter.
We at Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell can advise, guide, and support you every step of the way, helping you through every part of the California adoption process.
A couple pertinent pieces of information to get you started:
- The state of California permits LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual) individuals to adopt. California is one of only 10 states that explicitly allow same-sex couples to adopt.
- Same-sex couples are able to jointly petition the state of California courts to adopt.
- A same-sex partner may petition to adopt a partner’s child or child of the relationship in California
Sounds good, right?
All good news for prospective couples looking into adoption California. Adoption is defined as a legal process in which complete parental rights are given to adoptive parents. In the eyes of the law, once the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents have all the rights and responsibilities of biological parents. They must nurture the child to the best of their ability, loving and teaching him or her how to grow up to be a good person. And so much more!
Start here
The very first step in the adoption process is becoming licensed to adopt in the state of California. It’s a rather complicated process, but we at Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell will walk you through every detail and help you make sure you are as successful as possible during the licensing procedures.
We’ll review all the important paperwork and proceedings that accompany every step of the adoption process, including the initial licensing.
Family assessment
Every couple who is interested in adoption will have to undergo a family assessment that consists of a comprehensive review of both partner’s criminal, medical, employment, emotional, marital, and life history and well as the home environment to determine if the child you’d like to adopt would enter a stable, safe, and permanent home if placed in your permanent care.
Is adoption expensive?
We at Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell are asked this question all the time. While the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual factors in an adoption are always forefront in couples’ minds, many are also a bit concerned about the financial toll adoption may incur. When you schedule a free initial consultation with Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, we’ll explicitly go over with every fee with you, so there won’t be any hidden surprises.
No matter what, you will have to pay for fingerprinting, medical examinations, court filing, and legal fees. It’s important to budget an adequate amount of funds for your adoption ahead of time, and we will do everything in our power to help you be as informed and prepared ahead of time.
Do I really need a lawyer?
Yes, having a lawyer on your side who specializes in family law, especially adoption, is incredibly beneficial. Every legal nuance will be perfectly taken care of and the rights of each party in the adoption process will be unequivocally protected at all times. For the best LGBT adoption lawyers in all of Southern California, contact Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell at phone: 909-482-1422 or email info@parents4children.com to schedule your free initial consultation today.
