Bringing Families Together Through Adoption
Being a parent is about much more than just biology. It’s about being there through the good and bad times and about providing the security, support and unconditional love that a child needs and deserves. At Jacobson, Julius & Harshberger, we help families come together through the adoption process.
From heterosexual and same-sex couples to grandparents and stepparents, Pennsylvania law recognizes that every family’s specific makeup and circumstances are unique. From open and closed adoptions to those involving a foster child or stepson or stepdaughter, depending on the type of adoption path you pursue, the process can be quite complex and lengthy. Throughout every step, it’s crucial to ensure that your rights and best interests and those of a child are protected.
If you and your family plan to go through with a formal adoption, it’s important to consult with a seasoned family law attorney who has experience helping families successfully navigate the adoption process.
Specializing In Stepparent Adoptions
According to the United States Census Bureau, every day across the U.S. some 1300 stepfamilies are formed. For some stepparents, the next step after marriage is to legally adopt and assume all parental responsibilities for a spouse’s child. If you are a stepparent who plans to adopt a stepchild, we can provide the answers, advice and advocacy you need to complete the process.
Legally, only two parties can assume parental rights to a child. In cases involving a stepparent adoption, this means that a child’s biological father or mother must give up his or her parental rights. In some cases, a parent may voluntarily agree to forfeit all legal rights to a child and all related financial responsibilities. In other cases, a parent may refuse to do so and it’s necessary to file a court petition seeking the involuntary termination of parental rights.
Factors that may result in a judge granting a petition include cases involving neglect, abuse, incarceration or abandonment. At Jacobson, Julius & Harshberger, we are committed to serving the best interests of each and every child and to helping stepfamilies overcome challenges and move forward with the adoption process.
Call our Harrisburg office today at 717-909-5858 to speak with a lawyer about your family law and adoption needs. You can also reach out to us through our online contact form. Additionally, Pennsylvania families can learn more about the adoption process by visiting these websites:
