Adoption Lawyer Minneapolis, MN

The family law attorneys at Hennek Klaenhammer Law, PLLC located in Roseville, MN handle all aspects of family law including adoption. We are an experienced team of adoption lawyers serving the entire Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN area

Choosing to adopt a child is a life-changing decision. The process of adoption and the paperwork required to adopt a child may be confusing and frustrating. Let us help.

While we handle all forms of adoption, the most common type of adoption is that of a step-parent adopting their step-child.

Step-Parent Adoption, Minneapolis, MN

Our Minnesota family law firm can assist you with step-parent adoptions. We can help guide you and your family through the following:

• Termination of parental rights: The first step in the adoption process is to request that the biological parent sign a form terminating all parental rights. If the biological parent is unwilling to do this, then the step-parent adoption cannot take place, unless it can be proven that the biological parent has abandoned the child or is unable to competently parent the child at present and going forward. Terminating parental rights of a biological parent over their objection in order to allow a step-parent to adopt their child may be very difficult, but may be appropriate in your case.
• Adoption petition: If the consent of the biological parent to terminate parental rights can be obtained, then the remaining parent and the step-parent can file a Petition for Adoption. There are several things that can happen during this procedure, including background checks, income checks, home studies and much more. However, if the adoptive step-parent has been married to the biological parent for at least one year, it is likely that none of these requirements will apply.
• Court hearing: You will need to attend a hearing before a judge, in which the court will hear brief testimony by the adoptive parents to confirm that they are ready, willing and able to complete the adoption. The child, your attorney and the adopting parents must attend this hearing.

Upon the court granting an adoption, the adopting parent will then be considered the legal parent of the adopted child and has all the rights regarding that child’s education, healthcare and general well-being. Our Minneapolis adoption attorneys can help you every step of the way. Our firm has years of experience with adoption cases. We will keep you informed throughout the process and walk you through each and every step. We understand how important adopting a child is and we want to help you achieve that dream.

Please call Hennek Klaenhammer Law, PLLC today at 651-633-4400 to discuss these issues or any other questions.