Adoption Lawyer

in Napa County, CA

Request a Consultation

Overview of Napa Adoption Laws

Adopting A Child Can Be A Memorable And Joyous Experience. However, There Is Also A Risk Of Encountering Significant Legal Roadblocks That Leave You Emotionally Scarred And Traumatized. This Is Why It Is So Important To Speak With An Experienced Family Law And Adoption Lawyer In Napa, CA To Discuss The Best Path Forward. Gaining A General Understanding Of Adoption Laws And The Adoption Process In Napa Can Be A Big Help And Reduce The Risk Of Feeling Anxious And Stressed Out With Uncertainty. Our Napa Adoption Attorney Can Walk You Through The Steps Involved, The Paperwork That Is Required To Be Completed And The Timeframe You Should Expect To Complete The Entire Adoption Process. Whether You Are Doing A Step-Parent Adoption, Independent Adoption, Adult Adoption, Or Other Form Of Adoption Castro Law’s Family Lawyers Are Here To Guide You Through This Process.

Two Key Legal Proceedings

In Napa, the adoption process is comprised of two key legal proceedings:

Establishing a legal parent and child relationship between the child and the non-biological parent, or parents

Terminating the legal rights of one or more biological-birth parents

Things to keep in mind through the

Adoption Process

Consent is Critically Important

Consent is essential in the adoption process, governed by specific rules and regulations. Generally, terminating parental rights requires the biological parent’s consent. Most states, including California, will not approve an adoption without this consent.

Consent is also crucial when adopting an older child. In California, children over the age of 12 must consent to their adoption. Additionally, if you are married, your spouse must also provide consent for the adoption to proceed.

Issues with Birth Parents

Securing a birth parent’s consent can be challenging, especially if they are difficult to locate or deceased. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Deceased Birth Parent: Obtain a certified copy of their death certificate to present to the court.
  • Unlocatable Birth Parent: Provide evidence of reasonable efforts to locate them. Keep records of your search, as a judge will review these steps.
  • Unknown or Non-Admitting Birth Parent: You may request a waiver of the consent requirement if the birth parent is unknown or denies paternity.
  •  

Testimonials

Jeremy Castro helped me with an adoption after my daughter’s dad passed away. My husband has been a step dad to her for 8 years and wanted to adopt her. Even though there is no way he can completely fill the role of her deceased father, he wanted to fully be there for her and offer comfort and emotional support for her. Jeremy and his wife Danielle were there every step of the way for us! I’m so grateful they were there to help with all of our questions and guide us though this process. Jermey’s passion for helping bring families together was so delightful.
Erin C
This review is about my experience with Jeremy and team at Castro Law. After calling around numerous times to different firms, going to the law library, and reaching out to dads rights advocates. I still didn’t get much help. I made the best choice of my life by calling Castro Law. If you’re reading this I recommend at least giving them a call because they mean business. I finally feel at peace , they went above and beyond for me. The team is great at communicating, very knowledgeable, helpful, and are professional. In my experience mothers are the one favored in the courts, and get the better outcome. Jeremy and team were in my corner the whole time and proved that dads have rights too! Im with this team until my kids are 18 , thanks again Castro Law
Jessica G
I highly recommend Jeremy Castro and his associates to any future clients. They are legal professionals who: 1. Know and apply the law to your individual case to achieve the best possible outcome 2. Communicate in a fair and straightforward manner to all parties 3. Reduce the tension in an otherwise emotional setting and assist making objective decisions. They personally saw my case through to an amicable conclusion and their billing hours were appropriate. First class performance!
John C
I wanted to take this time to write a review about my experience with Castro Law Offices. First off, they were not only FAST to my reply, but also very kind to my emotional situation. I was even handed some tissues for when I was crying. I was treated with the upmost respect (even though I'm sure I looked a little manic while in there explaining my case.) and kindness. They got my case close within a week, and also got me EVERYTHING I was asked for. I recommend Castro Law for ANYONE in need of lawyer assistance. Jeremy and his team work hard, day and night to make sure they meet all of their client's needs. If you're looking for immediate help and guidance with ANY attorney, Castro Law.
Lacey M
When things came to a point of contention with my children's father I knew I needed the help of an attorney. After weeks long search and hundreds of dollars in consultation fees with numerous other attorneys I finally found Jeremy! He is very knowledgeable regarding family law issues, authentic in his character and legal advice, as well as very reliable. As anyone in our shoes has been knows, the unknown can be very stressful. Jeremy made it a point to get back to me promptly when I contacted him...sometimes late into the night. He also was very transparent regarding communication with the other party. Would absolutely recommend Jeremy to anyone with with family law needs!
Krystal W
I was so happy I had decided to hire the Castro Law Office for my child custody and visitation case in Napa County. As a single father of three boys in the state of California, I felt as if I was already doomed thinking that the state would favor the mother regardless of my capability to care for our children. Jeremy was very empathetic and worked diligently to get myself in a good position for the hearing, as I hired him approximately a month prior to the court date. During the hearing, he was very stern and aggressive at the right moments. The situation I was in was extremely stressful and hiring the Castro Law Office helped put my mind at ease. He was very upfront and honest with me from the beginning and which is a trait I greatly appreciated. In the end, we were able to obtain an agreement that is best suited for the children and ourselves. I would hire them again for any other issues I might have in the future.
Abraham B

Have Questions About Adoption Laws In California?

Schedule a Confidential Case Review with an Experienced Attorney Today

If you are looking to adopt a child in California, Castro Law Offices, P.C. is here to help. We are a premier California family law firm specializing in adoption law, divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and all other issues concerning domestic relations. Castro Law Offices, P.C. is based in Novato, California, but is ready and able to provide legal services and advice to clients in and around Marin County including Novato, San Rafael, Greenbrae, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Sausalito, Larkspur, West Marin, Ross, Mill Valley and Corte Madera. Contact Castro Law Offices, P.C. today to schedule a confidential consultation.