Westport Adoption Lawyer

Westport, CT Adoption Attorney

Adoption in Connecticut is a legal process that transfers parental rights from one or both biological parents to an adoptive parent or couple permanently. Once the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents have all the same rights and responsibilities as birth parents, and the child gains full legal status as a member of the family. While the emotional rewards are immense, the process can be daunting. A Westport adoption lawyer can help you through this process.

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Choosing Reich & Truax, PLLC, for Your Adoption Needs

From home studies and consent issues to court hearings and post-placement reports, adoption involves a lot of moving parts—and every case is different. It is crucial to have a family lawyer who knows how to navigate the legal system and make sure everything is handled correctly.

When it comes to an event as life-changing as adoption, experience matters. At Reich & Truax, PLLC, we’ve spent decades helping families grow through adoption. We combine legal experience with a personal touch because we know that this isn’t just another case. It’s your child, your family, and your future.

Our attorneys are compassionate, responsive, and detail-oriented. We don’t just walk you through the process. We walk beside you the entire way. Whether your case is straightforward or filled with unexpected twists, you’ll have a steady hand guiding you toward a successful outcome.

Types of Adoption

There are a few different ways that a person or couple can add a child to their family or confirm an already existing relationship. This process is through adoption. While many adoption processes are similar in nature, they may differ in other ways, depending on the type of adoption. Some common types of adoption include:

• Private domestic adoption. Involves adopting a child through a private agency or an independent match with a birth mother.
• Stepparent adoption. A common option when one biological parent is remarried, and the stepparent wants full legal rights.
• Relative adoption. In some cases, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings adopt to keep a child within the family.
• Foster-to-adopt. When a child placed in foster care becomes legally available for adoption, foster parents may seek to adopt.
• Adult adoption. Occasionally used to formalize an existing parental relationship with an adult child.

Each path has its own process, paperwork, and potential complications. Our team will take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and represent you in court when the time comes.

Adoption in Action

According to the National Council for Adoption, 50,193 children were adopted from foster care in fiscal year 2023. However, this report also showed that 36,411 children were awaiting adoption from the foster care system at the end of that same fiscal year. This shows the strong need for legal representation when it comes to adoption.

Most adoption cases in our area are handled through the Westport Probate Court, located right here in town. For families who live just outside Westport, like those in Bridgeport, Fairfield, or Trumbull, the Bridgeport Probate Court may have jurisdiction. We routinely appear in both courts and understand their procedures, expectations, and local nuances.

Our familiarity with these courts gives our clients a significant advantage, helping avoid delays and ensuring that your case is handled as efficiently as possible.

What To Expect From the Adoption Process in Westport, CT

Every adoption is unique, but most follow a series of legal steps designed to ensure that the placement is safe, stable, and in the best interest of the child. If you are considering adoption in Westport, you can expect a variation of the following process:

• Initial consultation. We’ll meet with you to understand your goals, background, and the type of adoption you’re pursuing.
• Filing the petition. We prepare and file all necessary legal documents with the appropriate Connecticut Probate Court.
• Consent and termination of parental rights. In most cases, biological parents must consent to the adoption unless their rights are terminated due to neglect or abandonment, or if they have passed away.
• Home study. For most non-relative adoptions, a licensed social worker evaluates your home and parenting readiness.
• Court hearing. The judge reviews your case and, in uncontested matters, often finalizes the adoption at the first hearing.
• Post-adoption. This may include obtaining a new birth certificate and ensuring any post-placement requirements are met.

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Get in Touch With Us Today

If you are considering adoption or in the process of doing so, an attorney at Reich & Truax, PLLC, can help simplify this process and fight for your rights. Contact us today to advocate for your family with legal assistance.