California Adoptions
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008Approximately 1 1/2 million children each year go through the adoption process in the United States. In California, adoption means that all rights and responsibility are transferred from the birth parents to the adoptive parents.
It’s critical if you are considering adoption that you’re properly represented by an attorney who understands the proper procedures to follow based on the laws of the State of California. Foster parents, relatives or a non-related adult is eligible to adopt a foster child. Many times, families opt to go through the formal process of step-children being adopted and this requires either the natural parent agreeing to the adoption or them being declared unfit as a parent by the court.
Adoptive parents assume the full responsibility for the care and well being of an adopted child and they must prove that they are fit to take on this role as the natural parent (or parents) no longer have any obligation (financial or otherwise) to the child. They also agree to give up any rights to visit with the child unless it is clearly stated in the overall adoption agreement that is reached.
If you’re considering adopting a foster child, a step child or any other minor child it is important that you seek legal assistance so that you understand the rights and obligations you will have under the laws of the State of California.