Louisville Kentucky Adoption Attorney
Bringing a child into the world can be the greatest gift to a family seeking adoption. It can also lead to complex legal disputes when proper legal arrangements are not made. Whether you are a birth parent or an adopting couple, it is important to understand your rights and obligations before entering into the adoption process. At Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC, we provide our clients with the information they need to make informed adoption decisions for their families. We provide the legal paperwork and complete all procedures before the Court to ensure your adoption is completed legally and smoothly.
We will provide you with the information and guidance you need at every stage to protect your rights now and into the future. Contact us for an immediate consultation or case evaluation.
Do I need an Attorney for a Kentucky Adoption?
Adoption is a highly specialized area of Kentucky family law requiring the assistance of an experienced adoption law attorney. At Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC we have extensive experience representing clients in stepparent adoptions and agency placement or private placements requiring representation for either the birth mother, birth parents or adopting parents. For more information, please contact our office to speak directly with a Louisville adoption attorney.
Birth Mothers and Kentucky Adoptions
In Kentucky, the birth mother may begin the adoption process at any time. This includes the time she is expecting, immediately after birth or at any point before the child reaches the age of 18. The birth mother submits a request to the Court terminating her parental rights. There are important steps involving the birth father, known or unknown, and a limitation of sixty calendar days from the date of birth for a birth party to initiate a paternity action.
Kentucky law provides for birth mothers under the age of 18 to make decisions regarding adoption, eliminating the requirement for parental consent. The birth mother of minor age must have a “Next Friend” over the age of 18 as well as a Guardian Ad Litem appointed by the Court. If the birth mother is married, both birth parents must agree to the adoption and sign the petition to terminate parental rights.
The birth mother has the option to select the adoptive parents.
Stepparent Adoptions and Termination of Parental Rights
After remarriage, there may come a time where the termination of parental rights of a biological parent is more practical for the family and the child. Stepparent adoption is a wonderful opportunity for loving parents to legally formalize a relationship with a child that lives within their own home. Often, a child from a previous relationship is living with their natural mother or father and a stepparent. The non-biological stepparent wishes to become the legal parent of that child under the laws of the State of Kentucky. There are several reasons for a Judge to declare a Termination of Parental Rights under Kentucky law without the need for the biological parent’s agreement. In other cases, it is necessary for the biological parent to agree.
If you are seeking a stepparent adoption our attorneys can provide you with the information you need to protect the rights and interests of your family.
Legal representation for clients seeking to adopt
Adopting a child can be an exciting time for parents. When you are considering or pursuing adoption, it is important to consult with an attorney who can protect your rights and safeguard your immediate and future interests. Our lawyers can draft and modify adoption documents and keep you abreast of your rights and obligations throughout the adoption process.
Contact Us
If you are interested in adoption or stepparent adoption in Kentucky we invite you to call the Louisville adoption and Family Law attorneys at Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC today at 502-584-1108 or contact us to schedule an appointment. We will work with you to ensure that your adoption or stepparent adoption is handled sensitively and smoothly.
- Credit cards accepted • Available evening and weekends by appointment •