Adoption

Phoenix Stepparent Adoption Lawyer ◦ Parental Rights of Birth Parents and Adoptive Parents

Adoptive Parents

Gillespie, Shields & Durrant is qualified to handle various kinds of adoption. Whether it's a non-relative person or couple wishing to welcome a child into their home, a stepparent wishing to adopt the child of their spouse, a guardian who stands in loco parentis or a grandparent or other relative wishing to adopt the child they are raising, our lawyers can help.

For those who are required to be certified before an adoption can take place, Gillespie, Shields & Durrant can guide you through the investigation and certification process. We will provide effective representation as you petition for adoption. Our experience will allow you to focus on the joy of adding to your family rather than the procedures involved in adoption.

If the child is not already a ward of the State of Arizona, an issue that must be addressed in adoption is gaining the consent of the natural parent or severing their parental rights. If severance of the parental rights of the natural parent is needed, Gillespie, Shields & Durrant is ready to handling this complexity.

For natural parents who do not wish to have their parental rights terminated, Gillespie, Shields & Durrant can also offer help in defending them in a severance action.

Birth Parents

If a birth parent has made the difficult decision to place their child for adoption, Gillespie, Shields & Durrant is available to help the birth parent in the selection of an adoptive couple. The selection is made from a group of couples certified to adopt in the State of Arizona. A birth parent may choose to have a say in where their child is placed. The birth parent may also choose to place the child out of state, and in that instance Gillespie, Shields & Durrant will provide connections with adoption couples certified to adopt that may be out of state.

If you are considering adoption or already have identified a child to adopt or a family to adopt your child, contact Gillespie, Shields & Durrant for effective guidance through the adoption process.

For the latest information on Adoption, see our Practice Center on this site.