Q: How do I adopt a child I know or a family member, or second-parent adopt my spouse's or partner's child?

A: Kinship adoption, or adopting a child who is a relative of yours, such as a grandchild, niece or nephew, is mainly handled privately by attorneys.  However, in many cases, the court will still require you to have an approved Home Study, to show that your home and family are suitable for adopting a child.  This is often how adoptions are handled of a child you know as well, such as a friend's child.  This applies to children who may or may not be in foster care, or a child who has been placed with you for guardianship.

Contact an adoption attorney first.  Once you know that the child will be available for adoption, either because the birth parents are surrendering their parental rights, or because the court is terminating their rights, then your attorney will likely instruct you to obtain a Home Study.  Our Home Study services include application processing, site visits and personal interviews, and the writing of your Home Study, as well as other support services in compliance with requirements for families adopting from other countries.  The rest, such as placement and finalization of your adoption in court, is handled by your attorneys.

Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information, or if there are special circumstances surrounding the child you wish to adopt, such as interstate placements.


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