Get free answers to your Adoption legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 15, 2023
In California, if your brother has adopted your children through juvenile dependency court, the situation regarding visitation rights can be complex.
After an adoption is finalized, the legal relationship between the biological parents and the children is typically severed, and the adoptive... View More 
What is the best thing to do
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 10, 2023
Under California law, if your parental rights have been terminated and you have filed for an appeal, it is crucial to seek legal representation experienced in child welfare law. An attorney with expertise in this area can provide you with the guidance and representation needed during the appeals... View More
Is it the law of California; that after satisfying all the conditions of 6454, the statutory adoption of a minor is established as a “legal adoption before the age of majority” and bestows upon that now adopted adult all of the legal rights, privileges, and acknowledgments of a legal adoption... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 26, 2023
Under California law, Probate Code Section 6454 addresses the issue of inheritance rights in the context of adoption. This statute generally provides that an adoption severs the legal relationship between the biological parent and the child for the purposes of inheritance, unless the biological... View More
My sons girlfriend had the baby while my son was in jail the other grandmother was at the hospital when she left to work and came back they refused yo let her see the baby anymore cps told mother if she didnt sign baby over she was going to jail i called cps i went into cps i talked to every... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 21, 2023
In California, Child Protective Services (CPS) is generally required to prioritize placing a child with relatives before considering adoption. This is in line with the principle of maintaining family connections and providing a supportive environment for the child. If family members, such as... View More
I have been trying to locate my father, who lives in Bakersfield, California. My sisters, who are adopted, have blocked my contact attempts and are not letting me see him. I’ve heard my sister might have power of attorney over him, but I'm unsure if it's official. As his biological... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 22, 2025
Locating your father begins with contacting the retirement home where he was last residing. Staff may not share detailed information due to privacy laws, but they might confirm if he still lives there or forward a letter from you. If they cannot help, you could try public records searches through... View More
I am trying to prove my native lineage and determine if I qualify for tribal enrollment. My father is Native American but was adopted outside the tribe. I have evidence of his native heritage but am missing his adoption records, which are sealed in California, or any information the tribe has about... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 25, 2025
Accessing sealed adoption records in California is challenging, especially when the adoptee isn't cooperating. California law generally restricts access to adoption records to the adoptee themselves, with limited exceptions. Your situation highlights the difficult balance between privacy... View More
I am a female and a U.S. legal permanent resident (valid green card holder since 2019). My biological child will be born in Mexico (with my own egg, a surrogate mother, and a sperm donor) in Mexico City, Mexico. The Mexican birth certificate will list only the surrogate as the mother. I have a... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 23, 2025
Your situation involves complex immigration considerations that merit careful planning. Bringing your biological child born via surrogacy in Mexico to the U.S. under the 8 CFR §211.1(b) waiver presents several challenges you should prepare for in advance.
The primary hurdle will be... View More
I adopted my daughter from India in 2022, and we currently reside in NJ where she was granted a birth certificate recognizing me and my husband as her parents. She entered the US on an IR3 Visa, negating the need for readoption in NJ. However, we're relocating to California, and I'm aware... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 22, 2025
Your daughter with an IR3 visa is technically not required to be readopted in California, as readoption is optional but highly encouraged if you received an IH-3 or IR-3 visa. Since she already has a New Jersey birth certificate and Certificate of Citizenship, the legal foundations are in place.... View More
Can my stepdad adopt my child without the biological father's consent or knowledge, given that the biological father is in contact with and supports the child, but does not have any legal parental rights? The biological father does not want the stepdad to adopt the child.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 19, 2025
In California, a stepdad cannot adopt a child without the biological father’s consent if the father is involved in the child’s life and provides support. Even if he does not have legal parental rights, he still has a say in the adoption process. The court typically requires either the... View More
If I am adopted by my mom's husband and now, at 18, I've found my biological dad, can my adopted father take my biological dad to court just because he doesn't want me to spend time with him? There are no legal guardianship arrangements over me by my adopted father, and my biological... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 8, 2025
At 18 years old, you are legally an adult in California, which gives you the complete freedom to establish relationships with anyone you choose, including your biological father. Your adopted father does not hold any legal guardianship or custody rights over you anymore, so his ability to control... View More
We have been the primary guardians of my son's little sister (same mom, different dad) in California for four years. The biological parents are in court, and there's a final date set for June 4, 2025, to decide if the biological father will retain his 50% legal rights, although he has not... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 19, 2025
If the biological father's parental rights are terminated by the court, he will lose his legal standing to challenge any future guardianship arrangements. This means he would not have the authority to oppose your guardianship petition once his rights are formally ended.
When... View More
In 1978, I was involved in an alleged illegal adoption facilitated by Catholic Charities in Los Angeles. I've been informed by my biological mother that there is a trust fund or retirement benefits available to me, likely stemming from a lawsuit she and others brought against Catholic... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 19, 2025
Given the sensitive nature of your situation involving Catholic Charities in Los Angeles, here are several constructive steps you can take to investigate potential funds related to the 1978 adoption.
Start by contacting the California Department of Social Services, Adoptions Branch, and... View More
I was adopted out of the foster care system when I was 12. In ca. I got pregnant at 17. And right before I had my son as soon as I turned 18 they kicked me out. I don't have have a job. I have no life skills. And they don't care. I don't want to end up like my biolocical mother. what can I do
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 25, 2024
You're in a difficult situation, but there are resources and support available right now to help you and your son.
For immediate assistance, contact California's Extended Foster Care (AB12) program at 1-877-846-1602 - even though you were adopted, you may still qualify for... View More
Notice and citation to parent for appearance at hearing Welfare& Institution code §366.26 and §366.23 Superior Court of California county of Fresno juvenile court if the details in the notice is incorrectly such as the date of birth of the minor and the minors name isn't correct and the... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 23, 2024
If you've received a notice and citation with incorrect details such as the minor's name, date of birth, or a parent's name, it's important to address these errors promptly. Inaccurate information can potentially affect the legality of the notice and the proceedings that follow.... View More
We have a DV case has monitored visitations his mother is the one monitoring. He is trying to modify the visitations but has only seen him 8 times since June 28, 2023. Has not financially supported my son in almost 5 years, isn’t complying with the child support order since back in November 2023.... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 25, 2024
When you go to court, it's important to present clear evidence about how the father's actions have negatively impacted your child. Since he has not consistently participated in visitations and has failed to comply with child support orders, highlight these issues. Emphasize the emotional... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 15, 2024
If you feel your attorney is not effectively representing you in your child custody case, it's important to take immediate action. Start by having a candid conversation with your attorney about your concerns. Explain how you feel they aren’t standing up for you in court and ask for a clear... View More
Adoptive parent has died . biological parent wishes to get custody after parental rights were terminated 3 years ago
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024
If you're the biological mother and wish to regain custody after the adoptive parent has passed away, you'll need to take legal action. First, you must file a petition with the court to request a change in custody. This process will involve proving that regaining custody is in the best... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 27, 2024
If you have a restraining order protecting you and your children, the court is aware of the concerns about safety. However, even with a restraining order, a judge can still order visitation for the other parent under certain conditions. The court’s main focus is the best interests of the child,... View More
i just need this anwsered please.
answered on Aug 21, 2024
Yes, it is legal if a former foster parent of our now owned dog to keep asking us to send pictures of our dog.
she moved her stuff into boys room and sleeps with him every night and keeps the door locked all day every day so he has no access to his stuff
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 17, 2024
Under California law, the safety and well-being of a child are of paramount importance. While there is no specific law prohibiting a parent from sharing a bed with their child, this situation raises significant concerns about the child's emotional and psychological welfare. The act of locking... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
