Adoption is one of life’s most beautiful journeys—creating or expanding a family through love and legal commitment. At Fischer & Van Thiel, PC, we consider it an honor to help families through this process.
We have experienced Carlsbad adoption attorneys serving San Diego County from our office along State Road 78. We combine legal knowledge with compassion to help you through the adoption process easily and joyfully.
Call us at (760) 722-7669 to schedule your adoption consultation. Again, we are conveniently found in offices near or off S.R. 78. Therefore, you’ll find us easily at various sites in San Diego County.
Carlsbad Adoption Guide
Adoption Services
Stepparent Adoptions
Blended families often want to formalize the parent-child relationship through stepparent adoption. Our services include:
- Preparation and filing of all necessary legal documents
- Guidance on getting consent from the biological parent when required
- Assistance with home studies when applicable
- Representation in termination of parental rights proceedings when necessary
- Representation at court appearances and finalization hearings
- Celebration of your new legal family bonds
We make the adoption process as smooth as possible while meeting all legal requirements.
Private/Independent Adoptions
For families adopting directly with birth parents, our services include:
- Legal guidance on creating an ethical adoption plan
- Preparation of placement agreements
- Management of consent procedures
- Birth parent expenses within legal limits
- Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) compliance when required
- Finalization of adoption in court
- Post-adoption contact agreement facilitation, if desired
We help create a solid legal foundation for privately arranged adoptions.
Agency Adoptions
When working with an adoption agency, our legal services complement their matching services:
- Review of agency contracts and agreements
- Independent legal representation during the process
- Assistance with home study preparation
- Guidance on birth parent contact parameters
- Representation at finalization hearings
- Post-adoption legal support
We protect your legal interests through the agency process.
Adult Adoptions
For those looking to formalize a parent-child relationship with an adult legally, we provide the following:
- Explanation of the simplified adult adoption process
- Preparation and filing of necessary documents
- Representation at court
- Assistance with name changes if desired
- Guidance on inheritance implications
These adoptions often formalize long-standing relationships and can bring significant emotional closure.
Foster Care Adoptions
For families adopting through foster care, our services include:
- Coordination with social services agencies
- Managing dependency court proceedings
- Assistance with subsidy negotiations
- Representation through the legal transition from foster care to adoption
- Support with post-adoption birth family contact agreements
- Guidance on available resources and support systems
We help create permanency for children who need forever families.
LGBTQ+ Family Formation
We proudly serve LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in building families through adoption:
- Second-parent adoptions for non-biological parents
- Stepparent adoptions after marriage
- Surrogacy-related adoption proceedings
- Guidance on protecting parental rights across jurisdictions
- Advocacy for equal treatment in the adoption process
Our firm advocates for all families so they have legal recognition and protection.
International Readoption
For families who have completed international adoption, we assist with the following:
- Readoption proceedings in California courts
- Obtaining U.S. birth certificates
- Name changes if desired
- Ensuring full legal recognition of foreign adoption decrees
- Citizenship documentation
These proceedings provide critical legal protections for internationally adopted children.
The Adoption Process in California: What to Expect
Understanding the adoption process helps families feel more confident. While the details vary by adoption type, below is a general overview of what to expect:
Initial Consultation
We start with a consultation to understand your adoption goals and create a plan for your adoption.
Home Study
Most adoptions require a home study—a review of your home, background, and readiness to parent. We guide you through this process and address any issues that come up.
Legal Documents
Depending on your adoption type, various legal documents must be prepared and filed with the court. These documents may include adoption petitions, consent forms, relinquishment documents, or termination of parental rights petitions.
Placement and Supervision
Many adoptions require supervision after the child is placed in your home. We help you understand your rights and responsibilities during this time.
Finalization Hearing
The adoption is finalized at a hearing where a judge signs the adoption decree. We represent you at this hearing to make sure everything is in order.
Post-Adoption
After finalization, we help you get a new birth certificate, address post-adoption contact agreements, and ensure all your documents are for your family’s future.
Why Choose Fischer & Van Thiel for Your Adoption
Adoption Experience and Know-how
Our attorneys have years of experience in adoption law and understand the subtleties that can make a big difference in your family-building journey. This experience translates to a smoother, more predictable adoption experience.
Compassion
We know how emotional and essential adoption is and approach each case sensitively. Our legal advocates are also guides who recognize the magnitude of building your family through adoption.
Relationship Based Practice
Adoption involves ongoing legal considerations. We build relationships with our adoption clients beyond the initial process so you have continuity of care for your family’s future legal needs.
Ethical Practice
We practice ethical adoption that respects the dignity of all parties – adoptive parents, birth parents, and most importantly, the children at the center of the adoption. Our ethical foundation ensures your family starts on solid ground.
Local Knowledge
We are established in San Diego County, so we know the local courts, judges, social services, and adoption agencies—connections that often make the adoption process smoother.
Adoption FAQs
How long does the adoption process take?
Time frames vary by adoption type. Stepparent adoptions may take 3-6 months, and agency or independent adoptions 6-18 months from start to finish. We can give you more specific time frames during your consultation.
How much does adoption cost?
Adoption costs vary widely by type. Stepparent adoptions are the least expensive, while private and international adoptions are more costly. We provide transparent fee information and help you find financial resources.
What is home study, and what does it involve?
A home study assesses your home and family's readiness for adoption. It includes home visits, interviews, background checks, and documentation reviews. We guide you through preparation and address any issues that come up.
Can birth parents change their minds?
California law has specific time frames and procedures for consent, relinquishment, and revocation. We ensure you understand those parameters and create legally secure adoptions that respect all parties.
What is an open vs. closed adoption?
Adoptions range from fully open (with ongoing contact) to confidential. We help you determine what’s best for your situation and create legally sound agreements to support your choices.
Can we adopt across state lines?
Yes, interstate adoptions are possible, but require ICPC compliance. We manage those extra-legal requirements for you.
What’s available after adoption?
Post-adoption support varies by adoption type. We connect you with resources and provide ongoing legal support for issues that may arise after finalization.
Contact Fischer & Van Thiel Today
Adoption is a life-changing process that creates families. Proper legal guidance ensures the adoption process goes smoothly and protects everyone involved. That way, you can focus on the joy of welcoming a child into your family.
Call a Carlsbad Adoption Lawyer today at Fischer & Van Thiel