- Christina T. Sherman, PLLC
- Washington LGBTQ+ Adoption Attorney
Washington LGBTQ+ Adoption Attorney
Christina T. Sherman understands that families in Washington come in all shapes and sizes. Our office has helped many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples adopt. We have experience with all sorts of adoption, including stepparent, private placement, foster care, and surrogacy. Contact our office if you want to talk with a seasoned attorney.
However, LGBTQ+ families have unique legal needs. Attorney Sherman can anticipate legal issues that might crop up and find legal solutions that ensure a smooth adoption experience. As a fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), she is committed to upholding the highest ethical values in the practice of adoption and assisted reproductive technology (ART) law. Very few lawyers earn this recognition, and she is happy to make her knowledge of ART to help LGBTQ+ parents realize their dreams. If you have a question about adoption, please contact our office today.
Washington Allows LGBTQ+ Parents to Adopt
Washington has one of the most liberal adoption laws in the country. Under RCW 26.33.140, any legally competent adult can become an adoptive parent. There are few limitations.
For example, there is no requirement that you be married to adopt. Single individuals may adopt a child, and even unmarried individuals may adopt a child jointly.
Washington has recognized same-sex marriage since 2012. Married couples may of course adopt a child jointly.
We Can Help with Stepparent Adoptions
Many of our LGBTQ+ clients wish to adopt their spouse’s child from a previous relationship. We can certainly help with that. There are certain complications which arise with stepparent adoptions. A child can only have two legal parents, so the other biological parent must give up his or her parental rights. They might be eager to do that—or not. Some biological parents dig in their heels and refuse to sign away their rights.
Discrimination is Prohibited in Washington
Some LGBTQ+ clients are nervous about embarking on their adoption journey because they suspect child placement agencies will discriminate against them. We understand this concern. LGBTQ+ discrimination continues to exist in all places, including Washington, and our legal team is sensitive to this issue.
Nonetheless, Washington law prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ+ adults. Any Washington agency engaged in adoption must comply with state antidiscrimination laws, per Section 388-147-1595 of the Washington Administrative Code. The law specifically requires compliance with anti-discrimination policies related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Call Attorney Christina T. Sherman to discuss any concerns. We have worked with many of the largest child placement agencies in Washington and can steer you in the right direction. Our firm upholds the state’s antidiscrimination law and expects all our partners in this field to do the same. The law is in flux, however, with some religious-based placement agencies claiming constitutional rights to discriminate.
If you are interested in foster care adoption, you also are protected from discrimination. In fact, there are thousands of same-sex families raising a foster child in Washington. You could be next, so call our office if you want to discuss this option.
Let’s discuss your situation. Sometimes a parent has abandoned the child and we can ask a judge to terminate parental rights over the biological parent’s objection. In other cases, we can broach the idea of voluntarily giving up their rights.
You Can Adopt a Child after using Assistive Reproductive Technology
Many LGBTQ+ couples end up having a child using assistive reproductive technology (ART). For example, one parent may carry an embryo that was fertilized with a donor’s sperm, or the parents might use a surrogate to carry and give birth to the child. Our clients seek to formalize their relationship through adoption.
ART is fully legal in Washington. Attorney Sherman has practiced extensively in this area, as her AAAA credential attests. She can create legal documents for your situation, including:
- Surrogacy agreements
- Donor agreements
- Genetic surrogacy contracts
- IVF contracts
Our office can establish parentage in the event you use a donor or a genetic surrogate. We can file the correct legal documents to ensure your parental rights are established and secure, which allows parents to begin raising their children without concerns.
If you are using a surrogate, you should also consider what compensation you offer. You cannot “buy” a child in Washington, but the state does allow adoptive parents to pay compensation for certain expenses, including legal expenses, medical care, and a monthly allowance. Let us ensure you comply with the law while negotiating fair compensation with a surrogate.
Out-of-State Adoptions Present Unique Legal Issues
Finding a child to adopt can be a challenge for prospective adoptive parents, regardless of their gender identity. The number of hopeful parents far exceeds the number of children available. Many people broaden their search by looking for children outside of Washington.
Unfortunately, not every state has the same protections for LGBTQ+ people like Washington. Indeed, some states outright prohibit LGBTQ+ people from adopting. It is hard to summarize the laws across the nation. Imagine a patchwork, with some states strongly anti-LGBTQ+ and other states silent on the issue.
What does this mean for you? If you are seeking a private placement adoption, then you should hire a lawyer who understands the unique challenges LGBTQ+ parents face. We will review the laws and find solutions to your legal needs. We can search for children in states where your success in a match is higher.
Call Our LGBTQ+ Adoption Attorney in Washington Today
Adoption requires considerable planning. Every potential adoptive parent should go into the process armed with all the information and facts that they need. Attorney Christina T. Sherman will gladly meet to discuss your adoption goals. Some people have a child in mind they seek to adopt, while others want to simply get answers to common questions. We are proud of our history working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and are eager to take your phone call or schedule an office consultation to discuss where to start. Your dream of adoption can become a reality—let our office guide you on the right path. Call (253) 268-5068 to schedule your consultation today.
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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