Adoption Attorneys in Puyallup, WA
At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, our Puyallup adoption attorney is a reliable, compassionate, and attentive advocate for clients. With extensive experience, our firm has helped hundreds of people build and grow their families. We are proud to serve not only Puyallup but also the nearby communities of North Puyallup, Summit, and Sumner. If you have any specific questions or concerns about adoption or family formation more broadly, we are here as a legal resource. Contact us today for your fully confidential consultation with an experienced Puyallup adoption lawyer.
We Handle All Types of Adoptions in Puyallup, Washington
Puyallup is a charming city in Pierce County. With a population of just over 42,000, it is nestled in the beautiful Puyallup Valley. The community boasts a rich agricultural heritage. It is particularly known for its daffodils, including its annual Daffodil Festival and Daffodil Parade. Puyallup is also home to the annual Washington State Fair, the largest gathering within the state. At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, we are proud to have the opportunity to help people build and grow their families in Puyallup. Our firm handles the full spectrum of adoption and family formation matters, including:
- Newborn Adoptions: One of the most joyous experiences in life is welcoming a newborn into your family. Our legal team is well-versed in the legal process of newborn adoptions in Puyallup, Washington. We ensure that all necessary documentation is accurately prepared and submitted. We are here to guide prospective parents through home studies, post-placement assessments, and all other issues.
- Interstate Adoptions: Interstate adoptions involve adopting a child from a different state than where the adoptive parents reside. Our Puyallup, WA adoption lawyer is adept at navigating the legal intricacies of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), which governs these adoptions.
- Independent Adoptions: In independent adoptions, adoptive parents work directly with the natural parents, often without the involvement of an adoption agency. It is a big mistake to try to do this without proper legal representation. You need an experienced Puyallup adoption lawyer on your side.
- Step-Parent Adoptions: Step-parent adoptions solidify the bond between a step-parent and step-child, legally recognizing them as parent and child. We assist parents and step-parents throughout all aspects of the adoption process.
- Same-Sex Adoptions: In Washington, same-sex adoption is permissible—but some unique challenges can still arise. Our Puyallup adoption lawyer is committed to helping LGBTQ parents with the adoption process. If you have any questions about same-sex adoptions in Washington, we are here to help.
- Family Adoptions: Family adoptions involve adopting a relative’s child. This can be a grandparent adopting a grandchild, an aunt or uncle adopting a niece or nephew, etc. We assist in preparing the necessary documentation, ensuring that the adoption is in the child’s best interest and meets all legal requirements for family adoptions.
- Foster Care Adoptions: Adopting a child from foster care can be a fulfilling way to build a family. Our Puyallup adoption lawyer is proficient in guiding families through the specific regulations and procedures involved in adopting a child from the foster care system.
- Surrogacy Agreements: Are you considering entering a surrogacy agreement? It is imperative that you are represented by an experienced attorney. Our firm has extensive experience handling surrogacy agreement issues in Washington. We assist in drafting comprehensive agreements that protect your rights and interests and adhere to Washington state law.
- Donor Agreements: In cases where an individual or couple uses a sperm or egg donor to conceive a child, it is critical to have a clear legal agreement in place. Our Puyallup family formation lawyer assists clients in drafting and negotiating donor agreements that outline the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of all parties—thereby helping our clients reduce the risk of future legal disputes.
What are the Requirements to Become an Adoptive Parent?
Adoption can transform your life and the life of a child. According to data from the Adoption Network, there are approximately 4.5 million adopted children in the United States. For reference, that means that there are around 90,000 adoptive children in Washington State alone. You must meet the state’s requirements to act as an adoptive parent. In Washington, prospective adoptive parents must meet the following three criteria:
1. Be an adult (18 years of age or older);
2. Be legally competent; and
3. Complete a home study (background check and home inspection), and have a judge determine that adoption is in the best interests of the child.
Adoption in Puyallup, WA: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Process for Adopting a Child in Washington State?
The process for adoption varies widely depending on whether the adoption is an independent new born adoption, an interstate adoption, a step parent adoption and or an adoption of a child out of foster care. However, all adoptions have two basic elements: 1) The court must terminate the Parental Rights of the natural parents who are not part of the adoption; and 2) The court must find that adoption in the best interest of the child.
- First, the parental rights of the alleged and legal parents who will not be adoption must be terminated. The parental rights can be terminated because the natural parents consent to the adoption (this is called relinquishment), or because their parental rights were terminated either through an independent action to terminate their parental rights, or because the state has terminated their rights through a dependency.
- Second, a court must find, that the adoption is in the best interest of the child. The court does that after reviewing the report of an adoption social worker (called an adoption home study) that evaluates whether adoption by the Adoptive Parents would be in the child’s best interest. Christina T. Sherman, PLLC has many contacts with adoption social workers so that they can help you find a social worker in your area to complete your adoption home study.
Once, you we have terminated the parental rights of the birth parent or parents, and the court has determined that adoption would be in the child’s best interest then we can move forward with your adoption day!
How Long Does the Adoption Process Take in Washington?
It depends. The length of the adoption process varies based on a number of factors. It typically takes a couple of months to finalize an adoption – depending on the facts of your case. An experienced Puyallup, WA adoption lawyer can help you navigate the process in a more efficient, effective manner.
What are the Costs Associated with Adopting a Child in Pierce County, Washington?
Similar to the duration of the adoption process, the cost can vary based on manner factors, including whether the adoption is private, through foster care, or by a step-parent. A Puyallup adoption lawyer can help you understand the expected costs based on your specific situation.
Why Rely On Washington Adoption and Family Formation Lawyer Christina T. Sherman
Adoption can be complicated. It is normal to have a lot of questions about the intricacies of the process. Our managing attorney Christina T. Sherman has a unique experience that you can trust. Recognized as an Academy Fellow by the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, she goes above and beyond to provide the highest level of personalized legal guidance and support to clients. Her client satisfaction is reflected in her overwhelmingly positive on line reviews. Among other things, our Puyallup adoption attorney is prepared to:
● Hear what you have to say;
● Answer your adoption questions;
● Help you get organized and handle the legal paperwork; and
● Take action to help you overcome obstacles that may arise.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Our Puyallup Adoption Lawyer Today
At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, our Puyallup adoption lawyer has the professional experience and proven expertise that you can rely on. If you have any specific questions about the adoption process in Washington, we are here to help. Contact us today to set up your fully confidential, no-obligation appointment with an attorney. We provide adoption and family formation legal services in Puyallup, Pierce County, and throughout Washington.
Your family is important to us. Contact us today.
We understand that the adoption process may seem overwhelming, and we are dedicated to getting answers to whatever questions you may have.
We serve clients throughout Tacoma, Pierce County, King County, Thurston County, Kitsap County, and the Western Washington area.
Discuss your case with our team
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