Irvine Child Adoption Lawyer

Orange County Guardianship Attorney

The Law Office of Karen H. Beckman offers new parents comprehensive legal services to ensure a smooth adoption. The firm also represents potential legal guardians who are interested in permanent or temporary guardianship. Welcoming a new child into your heart and home is an exciting time, made easier with the helpful guidance of the firm.

Would you like to speak with a lawyer about baby adoption or legal guardianship? Contact The Law Office of Karen H. Beckman to arrange a consultation in her Orange or Irvine, California, office.

Comprehensive Child Adoption Services

There are many options available for adoptive parents, and the circumstances for each family can be different. There are many types of adoption the firm handles. These types include:

• Stepparent adoptions: When a person remarries, he or she may wish after a time to adopt the new spouse's children. If necessary, the firm can assist with paternity issues and termination of parental rights.
• Relative adoptions: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members may be interested in adopting the children they care about.
• Independent adoptions: An independent adoption does not involve an adoption agency. Birth and adoptive parents work together, and an attorney can ensure the legal requirements are fulfilled.

Helping Same Sex Couples Adopt

Second parent adoption can provide you and your partner with a range of rights regarding your child, including:

• Decision-making: You and your partner will have the right to make medical, educational and personal decisions for your child.
• Custody and visitation: In the event of separation or if your loved one passes away, adoption can give you the right to custody as well as visitation.
• Child support: When you and your partner adopt, you will both make a commitment to provide your child with the emotional and financial support he or she needs.

Whether you are planning to adopt from an agency, independently through surrogacy or adopt a child from another country, The Law Office of Karen H. Beckman will provide you with the one-on-one legal help throughout your second parent adoption.

Adoption in Other States

In California, same sex couples have the right to adopt a child. Unfortunately, this is not the case in every state. Attorney Beckman has experience helping same sex couples adopt across state lines. She helps parents enforce their parental rights in other states through parentage adjudication in California.

Guardianships

Guardianships can be temporary or permanent. Guardianships can be established by a parent or can be court-ordered in the event of a death, substance abuse, or other pressing issue. The firm represents clients who are planning on taking care of a child for an extended period of time. Contact the firm to arrange a consultation.