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Victoria

Adoption Lawyers

Raising children is an incredible adventure for any family. At Align Family Law, helping our clients embark on this adventure through adoption is one of our legal team’s favorite parts of the job.

There are a number of different circumstances under which parents might want to adopt children. Whatever the situation, our experienced British Columbia adoption lawyers can walk you through the process and make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Victoria

Adoption Lawyers

Raising children is an incredible adventure for any family. At Align Family Law, helping our clients embark on this adventure through adoption is one of our legal team’s favorite parts of the job.

There are a number of different circumstances under which parents might want to adopt children. Whatever the situation, our experienced British Columbia adoption lawyers can walk you through the process and make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Our Victoria Adoption Services

There are several methods through which families may find a child that they want to adopt. Here are some of the adoption services we can provide for our clients:

Public adoption:

If you are registered with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the government can find suitable adopting families for children.

Private agency adoption:

Alternatively, you can hire the services of a private adoption agency to help you find a match.

International adoption:

Some agencies help you to adopt a child from outside Canada.

Direct placement:

Some families may adopt the child of a friend or someone that they already know. Direct placement is essentially the same process, but avoids involving an agency.

Relative adoption:

Some relatives like grandparents, aunts, or uncles may wish to adopt a child in their family, especially if the child’s parents are deceased or no longer able to take care of their child.

Step-parent adoption:

This process allows a child’s step-parent to become legally recognized as the child’s parent.

Contested adoption:

This process can be challenging. Our team can assist you by preparing the necessary materials and advocating for you in court.

In some situations, adult adoption is a possibility, as well. Adopting someone over the age of 19 typically occurs when an individual wishes to formalize an existing parent-child relationship or provide inheritance rights. In British Columbia, a person over the age of 19 can only be adopted if they lived with their adoptive parents before they came of age.

Our experienced adoption lawyers will take care of all the red tape so you can focus on preparing for the new member of your family.

What Our Clients Say

Our Victoria Adoption Process

STEP ONE:

Call our office to schedule your initial consultation.

STEP TWO:

We’ll listen to your story, clearly set out your options so you can determine your best next steps.

STEP THREE:

Together, we’ll get to work resolving the issues and getting you started on your next chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process of adopting a child in British Columbia?

The process involves various steps such as completing an adoption application, undergoing background checks, attending adoption education sessions, and having a home study conducted by a social worker. Once approved, the adoption must be finalized through a court order.

What are the different types of adoption available in British Columbia?

British Columbia offers options including domestic adoption, international adoption, step-parent adoption, and adult adoption. Each type has its own specific requirements and procedures, which our adoption lawyers can guide you through.

How is adult adoption different from infant adoption?

Adult adoption involves the legal process of establishing a parent-child relationship between an adult adoptee and an adoptive parent. This typically occurs when an individual wishes to formalize an existing parent-child relationship or provide inheritance rights. In British Columbia, a person over the age of 19 can only be adopted if they lived with their adoptive parents before they came of age.

Do I need a lawyer for the adoption process?

While hiring an adoption lawyer isn’t mandatory, having legal representation can ensure that all legal requirements are met, paperwork is correctly filed, and your rights are protected throughout the process.

What rights do birth parents have in the adoption process?

Birth parents have the right to consent to the adoption and, in some cases, maintain contact with the child through open adoption agreements. Our adoption lawyers can help navigate these complexities and ensure all parties’ rights are respected.

Contact Our Adoption Lawyers Today

At Align Family Law, it’s our priority to help our clients create a plan for the path forward. Whether that means moving beyond a separation, or preparing to start a new family, we provide you the legal support you need to move towards your future.

Contact us today for a consultation.

Are you looking for a family lawyer?

We have offices in Victoria, Kimberley and Vancouver and can assist clients anywhere in British Columbia.

Fill out our form and an Align Family Law team member will contact you within one business day to schedule your Zoom call with a British Columbia family law lawyer.

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