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California Adoption Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody, Family Law and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Is it legal for a court commissioner to terminate your parental rights in Fresno california

And at the court date the court was on video and the screen on my side was black so all there was were audio and I don't know who I was talking to at all just they say it was a judge on the audio but on the court paper i received it say a court commissioner

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 25, 2023

In California, court commissioners are authorized to hear certain types of cases, including some types of family law cases, under certain conditions. However, they do not have the authority to terminate parental rights in any case, except with the express written consent of all parties involved.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Appeals / Appellate Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: Can a assigned attorney lie to a client in a dcfs case

Dcfs case in la county. Baby was born clean. No drugs in her system. I was not. I have asked to appeal since day 1. Have given evidence that would help my case. At times my court appointed attorney blocked me completely. Until I called her supervisor. Now they are claiming she is not my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2023

It is not ethical or legal for an attorney to lie to a client in any case, including a DCFS case. However, it is important to clarify the roles and responsibilities of a court-appointed attorney.

In a DCFS case, the court will appoint an attorney to represent the parent or legal guardian...
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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody, Constitutional Law and Family Law for California on
Q: My child was removed with a fake warrant. I HAVE PROOF I HAVE THE ENTIRE COURT RECORD.. PLEASE HELP ME

My Child was removed in March 2022 with a fake warrant, I have always thought the warrant was bogus and I have grieved this issue with my proof to no avail. All of my pleas for relief have fallen on deaf ears. No one is listening to me I am completely ignored. DCFS unilaterally cut me off from... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 20, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. If you believe that your child was removed with a fake warrant and that there has been fraud committed by DCFS, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

You may want to consider speaking with a family law attorney who has...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for California on
Q: How can I go against a citation of termination of parental rights

I received a citation to terminate my parental rights and a hearing was set for feb 1st and now rescheduled. How can I respond to this request in another person adopting my children. I do not want this to happen

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 20, 2023

If you have received a citation to terminate your parental rights, it is important that you seek legal counsel immediately to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. It is possible that you may be able to contest the termination of your parental rights or negotiate a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for California on
Q: Is there anywhere in the world you can legally be compensated for donating eggs that were electively frozen?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 19, 2023

The laws regarding compensation for egg donation vary by country and jurisdiction. In the United States, compensation for egg donation is legal and common practice, but specific regulations may vary by state. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, donors can receive compensation for their... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for California on
Q: how do i go about my husband adopting my son from a previous relationship?

My son's biological father has been absent going on 9 years. I am married now, and my husband wants to adopt our son. Is this something that I ca do on my own or do I need a lawyer?

Eliza Jasinska
Eliza Jasinska
answered on Feb 7, 2023

An adoptive parent can be a stepparent or domestic partner of one of the birth parents, a relative of the child who has been caring for the child, or someone not related to the child by blood.

If the child is 12 years old or older, the child will also have to agree to the adoption. In a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Adoption for California on
Q: I want lawyer for my lil brother cause i dont want him in prison anymore
Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
answered on Jan 4, 2023

on all criminal cases, the court will appoint a public defender or defense lawyer if you can't afford one.

if the case is over you then need a criminal appellate attorney and most lawyers on this site are not appellate lawyers.

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for California on
Q: My husband in the process of a step parent adoption. But two months ago, he was arrested for DV. The case is still pendi

I’m sorry it wouldn’t let me write more above. He was arrested for DV back in July in Las Vegas. 1st count misdemeanor, but hasn’t been convicted yet. His attorney seems to think he can dismiss it since the situation was minor. We are wondering if we should continue the adoption case until... View More

James R. Dickinson
James R. Dickinson
answered on Sep 21, 2022

That's not likely going to help things. Because more information is needed, he'll need to speak with an attorney. Find one in your area. [I litigate cases. Anything posted here must not be construed as legal advice, nor as grounds for forming an attorney-client relationship. You should... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for California on
Q: What do I need to do to adopt her daughter.

I married my wife and we have been together for 5 years. We have a child together, and I want to adopt her daughter. She is 7 years old and I have been there everyday for the past 5 years. What is the process. I live out in San Bernardino County. In the city Hesperia.

James R. Dickinson
James R. Dickinson
answered on Sep 18, 2022

Certain requirements must be met for so-called "step-parent" adoption [more information is needed [don't share it here]]. Speak with a local attorney. [I litigate cases. Anything posted here must not be construed as legal advice, nor as grounds for forming an attorney-client... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Criminal Law and Family Law for California on
Q: I was convicted on a criminal charge and taken to family court and my kids was taken under that same charge the next da

Next day and then had my kids removed under that same charge is t that double jeporady cause the criminal case dropped to a misdemeanor? Right

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
answered on Apr 24, 2022

DOUBLE JEOPARDY REFERS TO BEING TRIED/PROSECUTED ON THE SAME CHARGES/FACTS AGAIN.

IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAD ISSUES WITH THE CRIMINAL COURT AND NOW FAMILY LAW COURT.

NOT BEING A FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY, I CAN'T ADDRESS ALL YOUR ISSUES.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Juvenile Law for California on
Q: My daughter was fraudulently freed for adoption and thus fraudulently adopted. What can I do to recover her?
Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Feb 22, 2022

There is a whole lot of information missing. You need to start at the beginning and tell your whole story if you want to get any reasonable response. It must be a long and complicated story, but if you want help you'll need to tell it.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for California on
Q: How can my husband adopt my son, his stepson.

My son is 14, he has never met his biological father and has no father listed on his birth certificate. My son and my husband want this adoption. My son wants to change his last name to our last name.

Eliza Jasinska
Eliza Jasinska
answered on Feb 12, 2022

It is a fairly simple process. Custodial parent and stepparent will fill out court forms, there will adoption investigation, consents must be obtained. The court will schedule a hearing. You will get a copy of the adoption order from the court, and the amended birth certificate will be mailed to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for California on
Q: I lost custody of my 16-year-old grandson when he was about eight years old. He was adopted by his grandfather's sister

She treats him like a slave. He doesn't want to live there anymore but she legally adopted him. Can he leave and come stay with me. Can I be charged for harbor ing a runaway? I am no longer his adopted mother but I am his maternal grandmother although my parental rights were terminated in... View More

Rhonda Mae Hixon
Rhonda Mae Hixon
answered on Jun 7, 2021

You could be charged with a misdemeanor if you help him remain "missing" from his legal guardian. (272 P.C.) However, he could apply to the court for a declaration of Emancipation and be able to make his own decisions about where to live. He should have a work permit, and legal... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for California on
Q: I have a family law lawyer who isn't doing his job I'm looking for a new one. How do I go bout that

My case is all over the place. The son I thought was mine isn't but I've been trying to get full custody of him because his mom is in prison ive had him since a baby she's never really been in his life and his biological father signed his rights over while incarcerated now his out... View More

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
answered on Apr 29, 2021

MORE INFO NEEDED.

THE FIRST QUESTION IS WHETHER YOU CAN AFFORD A FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY.

IF SO GOOGLE FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY IN YOUR AREA AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.

THE LAWYER MAY BE DOING THINGS RIGHTS BUT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: My ex wont give me back my 3 dogs . We live together for 9 yrs he has restraining order against me wont give them back

We live together for almost 10 yrs. We had 5 dogs 1 of them he will pay for all the vet ect expenses but i use to feed and pay for everything on 3 of them now they have 9 yrs 8 yrs and 6 yrs i was always taking care of them . They were my emocional support dogs i need them ... he put a... View More

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
answered on Mar 23, 2021

YOU NEED TO SET UP A CONSULTATION WITH A FAMILY LAW ATTY ASAP..........OR CONSIDER SMALL CLAIMS???

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: My parental rights were removed because of housing issues and one dirty test fast forward four years my children are

Still in foster care not being adopted my son in a group home suicidal my daughter attempted suicide its in my my greatest concern but belief that they have sustained more damage and trauma in foster care unstability and now seperation than ever with me my kids want to come home they have been in... View More

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Dec 5, 2020

You should reach out to a lawyer who is a certified specialist in family law in or near Orange County to get the help you need to be reunited with your children. Four years, however, is a long time for you to have waited to do this, so be prepared to explain why, if you have not tried getting your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption and Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: I adopted a dog from a personal rescuer. The dog gave birth to babies. What's the ownership of these babies?

We signed a contract when I adopted the dog. The contract only mentioned that I cannot transfer ownership of the dog. The dog was pregnant before I adopted her and then she gave birth to the babies one month after I signed the contract. I have taken care of them. Now the rescuer insists that the... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Dec 3, 2020

What does the contract say about puppies? If it doesn't say anything, then you probably own them. Ask her to specify the exact provision in the contract that has been breached.

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption for California on
Q: My dog was stolen and it got out from the person who had it now it's the pound I went to claim my dog and now there are

Now there charging me$75 to adopt my dog

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Nov 10, 2020

Well, you could retain an attorney to assist you for 20 times that amount. Pay it and sue the person that took it for property damages and loss of use. Small Claims.

Justia disclaimers below, incorporated herein.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Animal / Dog Law and Municipal Law for California on
Q: My outdoor cat was feral, then I tamed him. He isn't registered. I need to take him to the vet. Will he be impounded?

Will I be fined? Also, do vets care if pets are not registered? Do they offer pet registration services? I couldn't find anything on these in my city (Fremont)'s ordinances or regulations, so please let me know what the city law would say about this.

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Jul 27, 2020

Whether vets report unregistered pets isn't a legal question. Call the vet and ask. I've never heard of that happening, but I don't know the practices of every veterinarian.

Fremont requires a license for every dog or cat that is owned, maintained or boarded that is over...
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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for California on
Q: Are there any laws or family codes that regard a parent who has had violent offenses?

Proving a parent is unfit based on past of criminal violence and domestic violence.

Shawna Murray
Shawna Murray
answered on Jul 22, 2020

Yes, there are many Family Law codes regarding domestic violence. When making a child custody decision, the judge must look at the "best interests of the child." Family Code 3011 requires that a history of family violence be taken into consideration by the judge. In addition, the court... View More

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