Seattle Child Custody Lawyers

Adoption Attorneys Serving Clients in Seattle, Washington

Adoption is a very big issue in family law and at our Seattle law firm our attorneys can help you through this complex and difficult process.  Whether you are trying to adopt a newborn baby through a private agency, or are interested in adopting an older child who is currently under the supervision of another adult, a Seattle Child Custody Lawyer can provide you with representation.   The adoption process can be extremely complex and full of snags, especially to those individuals who attempt to embark on the process without legal assistance.  Having an attorney who knows exactly how involved the adoption process can be will be important in having your adoption go smoothly and quickly.

Adoptions are comprised of a three way relationship that is often referred to as the adoption triad.  In this relationship is the birth parent, the adopted child and the adoptive parents who will all in some way share a relationship because of the adoption.  An adoption will give legal rights to a parent or set of parents to make decisions that are in the child’s best interests and to become that child’s legal guardian until they reach adulthood.

In order for an adoption to be granted in Washington, the following steps must be completed:

• Pre-placement Report:  The adopting family must have an approved pre-placement report filed with the county Superior Court prior to placement of a child in their home or placing an "advertisement" for a child.
• Post-Placement Report:  Must be completed within 60 days of the filing of the adoption petition and before the adoption is finalized.
• Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC):  Prior to placement of a child across state lines, a formal agreement must be completed through the Interstate Compact Program Managers in each state.
• If the child is fourteen years or older they must consent to the adoption.

If you are considering adoption, or are already in the process of adopting a child, contact a Seattle Child Custody Lawyer today to discuss your options!