Tucson Adoption Attorneys

Helping You Grow Your Family

Adoption is a beautiful way to grow your family. It is also a complex legal process that can be difficult to navigate without the help of an experienced family law attorney. At McNorton Fox PLLC, we are here to guide you through the adoption process and help you avoid any potential pitfalls. Our Tucson adoption lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of adoptions, including stepparent adoptions, grandparent adoptions, and more. We can help you understand your rights and options, as well as the legal requirements for adoption in Arizona. Our team is committed to providing you with the personalized legal guidance you need and the compassionate support you deserve.

Need help with the adoption process? Call McNorton Fox PLLC at (520) 415-2970 or contact us online to request a consultation.

Types of Adoption in Arizona

There are several different types of adoption in Arizona. The type of adoption you choose will depend on your specific circumstances and the relationship you have with the child you wish to adopt.

The most common types of adoption in Arizona include:

• Stepparent Adoption: This is the most common type of adoption in Arizona. It occurs when a stepparent wishes to adopt his or her spouse’s child. In order to adopt a stepchild, the stepparent must be married to the child’s biological parent and the child’s other biological parent must either consent to the adoption or have his or her parental rights terminated by the court.
• Grandparent Adoption: This type of adoption occurs when a grandparent wishes to adopt his or her grandchild. In order to adopt a grandchild, the grandparent must have a significant relationship with the child and the child’s parents must either consent to the adoption or have their parental rights terminated by the court.
• Relative Adoption: This type of adoption occurs when a relative other than a stepparent or grandparent wishes to adopt a child. In order to adopt a relative, the relative must have a significant relationship with the child and the child’s parents must either consent to the adoption or have their parental rights terminated by the court.
• Private Adoption: This type of adoption occurs when a child’s biological parents voluntarily place the child for adoption. In a private adoption, the biological parents choose the adoptive parents and the adoptive parents may or may not have a pre-existing relationship with the child.
• Agency Adoption: This type of adoption occurs when a child is placed for adoption through an adoption agency. In an agency adoption, the adoptive parents are chosen by the agency and the adoptive parents may or may not have a pre-existing relationship with the child.
• Adult Adoption: This type of adoption occurs when an adult wishes to adopt another adult. In order to adopt an adult, the adoptive parent must be at least 10 years older than the person being adopted and the person being adopted must consent to the adoption.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Adoption in Arizona?

Adoption is a legal process that involves the termination of the biological parents’ rights and the establishment of the adoptive parents’ rights. As such, there are several legal requirements that must be met in order to adopt a child in Arizona.

The legal requirements for adoption in Arizona include:

• Age: In order to adopt a child in Arizona, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are married, your spouse must also be at least 18 years old.
• Residency: In order to adopt a child in Arizona, you must be a resident of the state for at least 60 days. If you are adopting a child from another state, you must be a resident of that state for at least 60 days.
• Marital Status: In order to adopt a child in Arizona, you must be married, single, or legally separated. If you are married, your spouse must also be a party to the adoption, unless you are adopting your spouse’s child.
• Consent: In order to adopt a child in Arizona, you must obtain the consent of the child’s biological parents. If the child’s biological parents are deceased, their parental rights have been terminated by the court, or they have abandoned the child, you do not need to obtain their consent.
• Home Study: In order to adopt a child in Arizona, you must undergo a home study. A home study is an evaluation of your home and family life to ensure that you are capable of providing a safe and stable environment for a child. The home study process typically involves a home visit, interviews with you and your family members, and a background check.

It is important to note that the legal requirements for adoption in Arizona can vary depending on the type of adoption you choose. For example, if you are adopting a stepchild, grandchild, or relative, you may not need to obtain the consent of the child’s biological parents. Similarly, if you are adopting an adult, you may not need to undergo a home study. An experienced adoption attorney can help you understand the legal requirements for the type of adoption you wish to pursue.

How Long Does the Adoption Process Take in Arizona?

The adoption process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the type of adoption you choose and the specific circumstances of your case. For example, if you are adopting a stepchild, grandchild, or relative, the process may be relatively quick and straightforward. On the other hand, if you are adopting a child through an adoption agency, the process may be more complex and time-consuming.

The adoption process in Arizona typically involves the following steps:

• Choose an adoption attorney: The first step in the adoption process is to choose an experienced adoption attorney to represent you. Your attorney will help you understand your rights and options, as well as the legal requirements for adoption in Arizona. Your attorney will also help you complete the necessary paperwork and represent you in court.
• Obtain the consent of the child’s biological parents: In order to adopt a child in Arizona, you must obtain the consent of the child’s biological parents. If the child’s biological parents are deceased, their parental rights have been terminated by the court, or they have abandoned the child, you do not need to obtain their consent. If the child’s biological parents are willing to consent to the adoption, you can complete the necessary paperwork and move forward with the adoption process. If the child’s biological parents are not willing to consent to the adoption, you may need to go to court and have their parental rights terminated.
• Undergo a home study: In order to adopt a child in Arizona, you must undergo a home study. A home study is an evaluation of your home and family life to ensure that you are capable of providing a safe and stable environment for a child. The home study process typically involves a home visit, interviews with you and your family members, and a background check. If you are adopting a stepchild, grandchild, or relative, you may not need to undergo a home study.
• Complete the necessary paperwork: In order to adopt a child in Arizona, you must complete the necessary paperwork and file it with the court. The paperwork typically includes a petition for adoption, a consent to adoption, and a report of adoption. Your attorney can help you complete the necessary paperwork and ensure that it is filed correctly.
• Attend a court hearing: In order to adopt a child in Arizona, you must attend a court hearing. The purpose of the court hearing is to finalize the adoption and establish the adoptive parents’ rights. If the court approves the adoption, you will be issued a new birth certificate for the child and the child’s last name will be changed to your last name.

It is important to note that the adoption process can be delayed if the child’s biological parents do not consent to the adoption or if they cannot be located. The adoption process can also be delayed if the child’s biological parents contest the adoption. An experienced adoption attorney can help you navigate any potential obstacles and ensure that the adoption process goes as smoothly as possible.

Why Choose McNorton Fox PLLC?

At McNorton Fox PLLC, we understand that adoption is a deeply personal and emotional process. We are here to provide you with the compassionate support you need and the personalized legal guidance you deserve. Our Tucson adoption lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of adoptions, including stepparent adoptions, grandparent adoptions, and more. We can help you understand your rights and options, as well as the legal requirements for adoption in Arizona. We will guide you through the adoption process and help you avoid any potential pitfalls. Our team is committed to helping you grow your family and we will fight to protect your rights every step of the way.

Need help with the adoption process? Call McNorton Fox PLLC at (520) 415-2970 or contact us online to request a consultation.