Indianapolis Stepparent Adoption Lawyer

Second Parent Adoptions Give Legal Protections to an Expanded Family

Stepparent adoptions are a family law attorney's reward. Family law work can be challenging, and you can imagine why. Most of my work deals with individuals fighting through very stressful times that are full of emotional turmoil. My role is to be the calm center of the raging storm of emotion that often goes along with a divorce or a child custody battle.

Luckily, I handle many adoptions by stepparents and second parents. Stepparent adoptions are full of joy for the adoptive family and the adopted child, and I get to share that joy as the stepparent adoption lawyer.

My name is Vanessa López and I run López Law Office in Indianapolis. I provide the necessary legal counsel and guidance in child adoption cases. I handle stepparent adoptions and second parent adoptions. I fill out and file all the paperwork and help prepare the family for the home study if one is ordered.

I attend the formal court hearing with the adoptive family. In stepparent adoption cases, the final hearing is usually a joyous ceremony — the moment at which the parents and child who have been emotionally close for many years are able to solidify their relationship through formal legal channels.

In order for a stepparent adoption to proceed, the child's second biological parent must relinquish his or her parental rights. If the parent has abandoned the child or is facing a long prison sentence, termination of parental rights is usually voluntary. If you are thinking about stepparent adoption and think the other parent might challenge the adoption, I can advise you on your rights and how the proceedings will go forward.

Attorney Vanessa López

Free Attorney Consultation:
La abogada habla español

To discuss stepparent adoption with lawyer Vanessa López, call 317-644-6261 (español: 317-715-1847) or fill out our simple contact form. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Hablamos español.