Law Library Articles
Top 10 Adoption Law Articles in the LegalMatch Law Library.
What do Bill Clinton, Marilyn Monroe, and John Lennon have in common? Answer: they were all adopted.
Aside from being a major responsibility, adoption is also a complex legal process. It is best to gather as much information as possible before beginning the adoption process. As a starting point for people contemplating adoption, the LegalMatch Law Library has compiled a list of the Top 10 Articles on Adoption Law.
1. Reversing an Adoption
An adoption can sometimes be undone if things do not work out. Maybe the birth parents changed their minds, or maybe the adoptive parents found themselves in a difficult spot. This article explains how an adoption can be reversed and what to expect in the process.
2. Grandparent Adoption
Sometimes, grandparents step in to provide a stable home for a grandchild. This can lead to legal adoption, which may give grandparents all the rights and duties of parents. Learn about when and how grandparents can adopt and how it can help a child.
3. Wrongful Adoption Lawyers
Wrongful adoption can happen when someone hides or misrepresents important facts about a child’s background or health. This article shows you what signs to watch out for, explains the different types of adoption fraud, and covers how you can protect yourself or file a claim if you’ve been harmed. It also discusses legal remedies, such as seeking damages, and in rare cases, reversing an adoption.
4. How to Reverse an Adoption in California
This article explains what steps you need to take if you want to undo an adoption in California. It covers how to file paperwork called a “petition to vacate,” as well as common reasons why an adoption might be reversed. You’ll also learn how courts decide whether a reversal is in the child’s best interest.
5. Adult Adoption Lawyers
Grown-ups can be adopted too. Adult adoption may be done for reasons such as inheritance or creating a closer family tie. A lawyer can help with the process and make sure everything follows the rules in your state.
6. Adoption and Fathers’ Rights
A father’s consent is often important in adoption, and some dads can even block an adoption if they take the right steps. This article explains how fathers can establish paternity and their rights in choosing or opposing adoption. It also covers how states differ when deciding whether a father must be notified.
7. Step-Parent Adoption Lawyers
When a step-parent adopts a stepchild, it can bring the family closer. It also removes the legal rights of the child’s other biological parent. Learn what the process looks like and why legal advice can help everything go smoothly.
8. Rights of Biological Parents
Biological parents have certain rights that can affect an adoption, including the right to say “yes” or “no” in many situations. But these rights can be limited by the courts. This article shares what birth parents need to know about their role in an adoption.
9. Access to Adoption Records
Some adoption records are sealed, but there are ways to request them if you meet certain rules. This article tells you who can see adoption records, how to ask for them, and why they might remain closed. It also explains what kind of information you could find—like medical histories or birth family details.
10. Pre and Post Adoption Rights of Biological Parents
Before an adoption, a birth parent’s consent is usually required. After the adoption, the birth parent may or may not be allowed to have contact with the child. This article explains how these rights work and what can change them.
Gathering the right information is the first step in any adoption journey. We hope these articles help you understand the process. If you need legal help, consider speaking with an adoption lawyer to learn about your rights and responsibilities.
