Richmond Divorce Attorney | Family Lawyers in Richmond
Richmond Stepparent Adoption Lawyer
Experienced Legal Care Bringing Your Family Together.
Making the Decision to Adopt
Just as with having biological children, choosing to adopt is a serious commitment and is not a decision to be taken lightly. Overall, it is worthwhile to consider what would best serve the interests of the child.
Stepparents may decide to adopt a stepchild in order to:
- Solidify their family bond
- Make their relationship permanent
- Establish inheritance rights
- Secure their guardianship in the event the biological parent dies
- Sever ties with the other biological parent who is absent, neglectful or abusive
That said, there are serious considerations that all parties need to address if they want to be successful in the long term.
Some questions to consider before moving forward include:
- Stepchild adoption severs the relationship with the biological parent—will that be in the child’s best interest?
- Stepchild adoption is permanent—is the relationship between the stepparent and spouse strong enough to last as well?
- Is the stepchild in favor of the adoption?
- Is the other biological parent likely to contest the stepparent adoption?
Helping You Through a Contested Matter
If you find yourself on the other side of this equation, our firm can help you as well. It is important to remember that it is not easy to win a contested stepchild adoption petition; the other side would have to prove it really is in the child’s best interest to sever your relationship. There are also other, more measured options available for creating legal relationships short of adoption, and your ex-spouse may be open to one of these. For instance, there is legal guardianship, which gives the stepparent the ability to give consent for such things as medical treatment but allows both biological parents to retain their rights and relationship.
Our divorce lawyers at Frank Vendt Child Custody & Divorce Attorneys are dedicated to resolving these situations faced by our clients, and we put our experience to work to fight to keep their full parental rights.
If you are considering adopting a stepchild or fighting to retain your full parental rights, call us today at (832) 276-9474 to speak with our Richmond stepparent adoptions attorney serving Fort Bend County and the surrounding areas and find out how we might help you.
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Frank has done an amazing job with my divorce case, I would definitely recommend him to anyone!
“Frank has done an amazing job with my divorce case, I would definitely recommend him to anyone! He has always been available at all times of day, he is very sharp and knows exactly what he’s talking about and can explain things very well. I have relied on Frank to take care of this case and he has come through on top at every turn. Excellent lawyer.”
Craig Peterson
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Frank guided me through a very challenging divorce and I couldn’t be more pleased.
“I cannot recommend Mr. Vendt and his associates more! Frank guided me through a very challenging divorce and I couldn’t be more pleased. Response times on phone and email were exceptional. On the rare occasion my questions were not answered immediately, I would wait only hours at the most, thankfully, I never waited into the next day. Frank also made a surprising effort to fully understand my situation, and negotiate a fair deal. Although it meant less money in his pocket, he managed to avoid a second trial, and negotiated a fair deal I was very pleased with. I always assumed lawyers were in it for all they could get, but Frank truly had my best interest at the forefront of his efforts. The best quality I can mention is that Frank is very honest and strait forward. He reads the situation, and advises in a very clear and accurate manor. I never felt like I was in limbo, and with Frank on my side, I knew what to do and what to expect to reach a satisfying conclusion to a difficult time in my life. I hope and pray I never need his service again, but if I do require a family attorney in the future, Frank Vendt Child Custody & Divorce Attorneys will receive my first and only call.”
Adam Bordelon
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Frank really took care of me with a complex divorce. It was nice to know I had him in my corner with his experience and understanding during a difficult time.
“Frank really took care of me with a complex divorce. It was nice to know I had him in my corner with his experience and understanding during a difficult time. I highly recommend. ”
Richie Llamas
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I simply want to Thank Frank for his upfront honesty and advise on my case! He saved me from spending my money and gave me the knowledge I needed to go about my situation.
“I simply want to Thank Frank for his upfront honesty and advise on my case! He saved me from spending my money and gave me the knowledge I needed to go about my situation.Thank you You Frank i really appreciate you taking your time to help me out and providing me with options..I hope to never have to go through going to court but if it was the case i would defiantly hire Mr Frank!”
Nora Balderrama
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He represented me in a manner that was professional and very efficient. Frank does what he does because he has a passion for justice.
“Frank was great to work with. He represented me in a manner that was professional and very efficient. Frank does what he does because he has a passion for justice. I am very appreciative of all that Frank has done for me and I will recommend him to anyone that needs legal representation conducted the ‘right’ way.”
Sharndell Lowe-Aitch
