In an adoption, parental rights are transferred from the natural or birth parents to the adoptive parents. Adoption is a legal arrangement, where the adoptive parents become legally responsible for the child they adopt and they obtain all legal parental rights with regard to the child. This legal proceeding is so complete that a new birth certificate is issued for the child. It shows the adoptive parents' names as the child's mother and father at the time of birth. The original birth certificate is retained but sealed, so it can be accessed only by court order.

There are four types of adoptions of children under age 18 in California: relinquishment or agency adoptions, independent adoptions, intercountry adoptions, and stepparent adoptions.

Most of the laws and regulations concerning adoptions are applicable to so-called stranger adoption or unrelated adoption. That is, people seek out a child to adopt through an acquaintance or an agency. Intercountry adoptions are similar to adoptions completed within the United States, but additional requirements and procedures apply, dependent on the particular foreign country involved.

Adoption may also take place within a family. This kind of adoption sometimes is called a relative adoption. A stepparent who is responsible for providing the care, love, discipline, and guidance for the children of his or her spouse may formalize the relationship by adopting the stepchildren. As with any adoption, this can happen only if both natural parents agree, though there are exceptions to this rule.

The CC LawGroup can assist you with:

• A thorough explanation of the adoption process, including legal procedures, the social worker's role, evaluation of independent and agency processes, cost control (including medical expenses, birthparent subsistence's, etc.).
• All legal and procedural aspects of adoption, including interstate placement requirements, with assurance that no adoption laws are overlooked or violated.
• Screening adoption situations for commitment, health and social history, legal problems and the likelihood of success.
• Guidance in locating appropriate birth parents or adoptive parents.
• Creation of an adoption plan, including the delivery and child transfer. Coordination of adoption plan with hospital and doctor.
• Representation in adoption litigation.

The CC LawGroup
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