Adoptions

The Law Office of Dina Afek, P.C. assists clients in Tucson and Southern Arizona with a range of family law matters, including adoptions in the case of step-parents and arranging private adoptions.

Stepparent Adoption

When a couple marries and one spouse has a child from a previous marriage or relationship, the other spouse may wish to formally adopt the child. An adoption gives the adoptive parent legal status as the child's parent. With that legal status come all the rights and responsibilities of being a parent, including the right to make decisions regarding the child's upbringing and the obligation to care for the child and support him or her financially.

The adoption of a child by a stepparent results in the severance of parental rights in the biological parent. In most cases, the consent of the parent giving up rights to the child is required in order for the adoption to take place. Also, a child 12 years old or older has the power to consent or withhold consent to the adoption.

Private/Agency Adoption

Private adoptions may occur if the natural parents are deceased, or if they are consenting to the adoption. Many steps must be taken in order to successfully complete a private adoption, and the assistance of a qualified family law attorney is extremely helpful in making sure the adoption is performed correctly.

A Family Law Attorney Who Knows Adoptions

Dina Afek is herself the mother of three children, two of whom are adopted, and understands firsthand the legal, practical, and emotional issues involved in adoption matters. If you are considering adoption, consult with an attorney who is both knowledgeable and experienced in adoptions matters. Contact the Law Office of Dina Afek, P.C.