Adoption Attorney

Whether you are adopting a baby, formally adopting a stepchild or stepping up to assume care of a grandchild, there are important details and potential complications. Our adoption attorneys can guide the way and clear any legal obstacles to ensure that the process goes smoothly for you and the child.

Grandparent Adoption Lawyers

Stepparent Adoption · Same-Sex Adoption

Adoptions can be joyous or bittersweet, straightforward or contentious. Family law attorneys J.D. Milks will help you understand the legal process and anticipate problems, with the goal of resolving your adoption with as little time, stress and drama as possible.

Stepparent adoption — Adopting a stepchild confers official parental status, with all the rights and responsibilities of a natural parent, including inheritance rights. It also helps blended families come together. Stepparent adoption requires termination of parental rights of the absent or unfit parent, through an affidavit of relinquishment or through a contested hearing.
Grandparent and third-party adoption — When the natural parents are absent or unfit due to jail, addiction or another issue, children may be raised by their grandparents, aunts and uncles, or an adult sibling or cousin. If you have served as the de facto parent, we can help you formally adopt a child to provide a secure environment, to make parental decisions and to prevent placement outside the family in foster care.
Adoption by same-sex parents — We advocate for gay or lesbian couples who are adopting a child together, helping to clear any legal barriers. We also facilitate second parent adoption (adopting a partner’s biological child) to confer custody rights and parental responsibilities.

Make The Smart Move For A Smooth Adoption

We do our homework to help clients avoid surprises or bureaucratic hassles with an adoption, and we can intervene if any complications arise. Call (817) 659-1133 or email us to schedule a free consultation with our adoption lawyers.