When Parental Rights Are Stripped Away

California family courts are supportive of actions that improve personal and financial stability for children, and stepparent adoption often fits these criteria very well. If you have married or remarried and want to pursue a stepparent adoption, our Orange County law firm is an excellent resource for the guidance and representation you will need.

Skilled Attorneys For Stepparent Adoptions And Termination Of Parental Rights

At The Law Offices of Burch, Coulston & Shepard, LLP, you will work with attorneys whose sole professional focus is California family law. We can assist you with all aspects of a stepparent adoption, whether you anticipate that this action will be accepted or contested by your child's biological parent.

Our experience and capabilities cover:

• Helping clients obtain formal, legally recognized consent from a biological parent who is uninvolved and nonsupportive — the most direct way to clear the path for a successful stepparent adoption.
• Pursuing a court-ordered termination of parental rights if a biological parent has failed to pay required child support for two years or longer.
• Helping couples understand and successfully complete family investigations and custody evaluations conducted by the California Department of Social Services.
• Introducing all favorable evidence that the court may consider in your case, such as the wishes and consent of a child over 12 years old.

Persuasive Negotiators And Proven Trial Lawyers Who Will Stand Up For You

As in all other matters of parents' rights and other family law challenges we handle, our lawyers strive for negotiated resolution and efficiency in stepparent adoptions. However, we are trial-proven litigators prepared to go the distance for you if your case calls for aggressive action to achieve your goals.

We have in-depth familiarity with the procedures and officials in courts throughout Orange County and elsewhere in Southern California. Our experience across the spectrum of paternity claims, child support enforcement actions and other relevant areas may be important assets for you.

To discuss your family goals and the steps required to complete a stepparent adoption, call our Newport Beach family lawyers at (949) 565-4158 to schedule a consultation at a time that works well for you.