Twin Falls Adoption Lawyer

Helping Your Family Grow with the Miracle of the Adoption Process

Adding to your family is an exciting experience. Unfortunately, many prospective adoptive parents quickly burn out when they realize the process is so difficult. They might become frustrated searching for a birth mother or trying to negotiate with biological parents about the terms of the adoption. Others are bewildered by the documents they need to file with the court according to adoption law.

It is crucial to consult an adoption lawyer at the beginning of the adoption process to ensure you fully understand the relevant laws and procedures.

At Johnson May, we roll up our sleeves and take over as much work as possible for our clients by providing exceptional legal services. Whether you are seeking a private placement or stepparent adoption—or some other adoption—we can help. Call our Twin Falls adoption lawyer today to schedule your initial meeting, with our family law firm today.

Private Placement Adoption Requires Planning

Adoption might be a miracle, but there is substantial legwork involved. Anyone seeking to adopt a child with a private placement must find an experienced Twin Falls adoption lawyer to help them with the entire process. With the right legal support, the adoption process can be much more simple and less overwhelming for adoptive parents.

Adoptive parents will need help with:

1. Finding a birth mother or biological parent. The number of women willing to give up their children has fallen over the past 30 years. Because Idaho has so few people, you might even need to search out of state, but the law regulates advertising.
2. Getting to know the birth mother. Often, several couples are in contact with the birth mother. You need to establish a relationship with her and get her comfortable with the idea of letting you adopt the child.
3. Negotiating the adoption agreement. An adoption agreement is vital. If you have an “open” adoption, the birth mother will have some contact with the child after adoption. An adoptive parent needs to spell out in a written agreement what that involvement looks like. We can discuss how “open” you want the adoption to be.
4. Paying a birth mother’s expenses. Idaho law limits what expenses you can pay a pregnant woman. You might pay for some of her living and medical expenses, but work closely with your lawyer to ensure you are not making any illegal payments.
5. Preparing for a home study. Idaho requires that most adoptive parents go through a home study, which includes background checks and an in-home visit. Let us walk you through the process and prepare accordingly.
6. Handling the legal paperwork. You have not adopted a child until a judge approves the adoption. We can file the required documents and attend all hearings.
7. Advising you on any post-placement study. You might be subject to a six-month supervision before your adoption is finalized. We can discuss what to expect and address any problems in a proactive manner. It’s a mistake to overlook the post-placement study.

Our legal team can also assist if any legal problems arise later from any types of adoptions. For example, a birth mother might overstep the agreement about post-placement contact. We can discuss how to respond in a tactful manner—which, sometimes, might require the involvement of the courts.

How Do I Find Your Office?

Our Twin Falls Adoption Attorneys Can Help with Stepparent Adoptions

Many of our clients are marrying someone with children and hope to adopt them. At Johnson May, we have helped many people with stepparent adoption.

In adoption cases in many ways the process is easier, because you don’t have to go searching for a birth mother. Nonetheless, some problems can arise:

• The other parent might not want to terminate his or her parental rights. You will need to involve the courts, and it’s not guaranteed that a judge will agree. Often, we allege that the other parent abandoned the child, but we need to document that fact.
• The legal process can feel opaque and confusing. You will need legal assistance creating necessary legal documents and presenting them to the court.
• Grandparents might be unhappy you are adopting their grandchild. Although they can’t legally block the adoption, you might need help thinking through how to respond—especially if you want the child to maintain a relationship with them going forward.

An adoption lawyer can help protect the legal rights and interests of adoptive families throughout the stepparent adoption process.

We can help with these and other critical issues. Call Johnson May today to schedule a meeting.

Challenges of Working with an Agency

Because a private placement requires a lot of work, some couples sign up with an adoption agency. The agency does the heavy lifting of the adoption official identifying birth mothers and connecting them with potential adoptive parents. If you meet the birth mother, you typically will do so at the agency, which retains full control of the adoption process.

When working with an adoption agency, it is important to address the health and welfare considerations of the child, as well as those of the birth parents, foster parents, and adoptive parents.

Adoption agencies usually have in-house legal counsel to draft agreements and handle legal issues. However, it’s sometimes helpful to get your own legal advice. After all, the in-house lawyer represents the best interests of the licensed adoption agency only—not you. If you have questions, then please call Johnson May.

Family Law and Adoption

Navigating the world of family law and adoption can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At our law firm, we combine years of legal expertise with a deep understanding of the unique considerations that come with every adoption case. We realize that each family’s journey is different, and our adoption lawyers are committed to helping you every step of the way—from your initial appointment to the moment your adoption is finalized in court.

Our team is dedicated to protecting the rights of adoptive parents and ensuring the adoption process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you are pursuing a domestic adoption, stepparent adoption, or seeking guardianship, we provide the guidance and representation needed to help you navigate the legal process. We have worked with families across a wide range of cases, and we are pleased to have helped so many people achieve their dream of growing their family.

The adoption process involves a variety of important documents that must be filed correctly and on time. Our attorneys will prepare you for every stage, including the court hearing where a judge will make your adoption official. We help you understand your rights and responsibilities as an adoptive parent, so you can provide a stable and loving home for your child with confidence and peace of mind.

In addition to adoption, our practice areas include other family law matters such as divorce, property division, and mediation. We know that family law issues can be complicated and emotional, and we are committed to offering personalized representation that addresses your specific concerns. Our goal is to help you achieve a happy and stable family life, free from unnecessary complications.

Is it Too Soon to Hire an Adoption Lawyer?

Adoption is a stressful experience for prospective parents. But you can make the process easier through careful planning. This is a critical reason to reach out to Johnson May as soon as you can. We will:

• Help you think through your options. Is an open adoption really right for you? Or do you want a traditional, closed adoption? Are you willing to adopt a foster child?
• Address concerns about the process, such as if you have any criminal history, periods of unemployment, or any other issues. It’s best to address potential problems now—not months later when you are half-way through the adoption process.
• Begin documenting whether a child has been abandoned. Judges aren’t eager to quickly terminate parental rights, even if you are marrying a child’s parent. We might need time to investigate and gather evidence.
• Find a birth mother. Children are in demand, so to speak. We appreciate having as much time as possible to search for a possible birth mother.

It is never too soon to speak with a lawyer about possible adoption. It’s best to start your journey with concrete, accurate information.

Allow Johnson May To Help

If you have questions about adoption or are considering starting the process, we encourage you to contact our office. Our professional staff is ready to assist you, answer your questions, and schedule an initial meeting. During your appointment, we will discuss your options, explain the adoption process, and help you prepare for what to expect along the way.

We are proud to offer expert legal assistance to adoptive parents and families throughout the Twin Falls area. If any issues or complications arise during your adoption, our experienced attorneys are prepared to respond quickly and effectively, working to resolve matters so that you can leave the courtroom happy with the outcome. We believe adoption is a life-changing experience, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your family goals with the support and representation you deserve.

If you are ready to take the next step or simply want to learn more about adoption, please contact our office to schedule your initial appointment. We look forward to helping you navigate the adoption process and supporting your family every step of the way.

Adoption Law FAQs

What are the differences in Idaho between an “open” and a “closed” adoption, and which should I choose?

The terms “open” and “closed” primarily refer to the level of contact and identifying information shared between the adoptive and birth families. A closed adoption involves little to no identifying information exchange and minimal or no contact after placement. An open adoption allows for some form of ongoing communication, which can range from letters and pictures to periodic visits. In Twin Falls, as elsewhere, the choice depends entirely on the comfort levels of all parties. Your attorney’s role is to ensure that the agreed-upon contact terms are legally documented and enforceable within the boundaries of Idaho law.

What is the most significant legal hurdle in completing a stepparent adoption in Idaho?

For most stepparent adoptions in Idaho, the most significant legal hurdle is the mandatory Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) of the non-custodial birth parent. This must occur before the adoption can be finalized. If the non-custodial parent refuses to voluntarily consent, an attorney must petition the court for involuntary termination, which requires proving statutory grounds—such as abandonment (failing to maintain a normal parental relationship for one year or more) or a history of abuse or neglect—by clear and convincing evidence. This is a legally complex process that demands careful preparation and proof.

How long do I need to live in Idaho before I can file a petition for adoption in Twin Falls?

Idaho law requires you to be a resident of the state for a minimum duration before you can file the petition. Specifically, the adopting person or family must have resided and maintained a dwelling within the State of Idaho for a period of at least six consecutive months prior to the date the petition is filed in the appropriate court. This residency requirement is a necessary condition for the Twin Falls court to establish jurisdiction over the matter. Your attorney will confirm that you meet this requirement and ensure all preliminary legal steps are correctly handled to begin the official adoption process.

Speak with an Experienced Twin Falls Adoption Attorney

Johnson May is happy to help our clients grow their families. Our attorney Bart Browning is an adoptive father himself, so he appreciates the mixture of nervousness and optimism that couples experience at the start of their adoption journey. For legal assistance or to get answers to your questions, please call our law firm today or reach out online.