Stepparent adoptions
When a custodial parent marries, the stepparent may want to officially adopt the children. If the other biological parent is living, that parent’s rights have to be terminated before a stepparent adoption can take place. In some cases, the biological parent may give up parental rights. In other cases, there may be cause to go through the legal process of terminating parental rights. Your lawyer can explain your options and the law.
Independent adoptions
If you wish to adopt a child, our adoption attorneys can guide you through the paperwork and assure that all necessary documents are in place for an adoption.
Grandparent adoption
When a child’s parents are not living or when their parental rights have been terminated, in many cases grandparents or other relatives (an aunt or uncle, an older sibling) may wish to adopt the child. Our law firm can help with the adoption process.
Guardianship
When there is not a parent able or willing to care for a child, someone else may step forward to take responsibility for the child’s welfare. If you want to establish guardianship of a child, talk to an attorney.
We take sides at the R. J. Peters & Associates law firm. This is an important concept that we do not take lightly. Settlement of the difficult issues which arise in family law matters is always an important effort, but not always possible. We focus on fighting for our clients whether in settlement efforts or in litigation. Our only business is family law. From our office located near downtown Phoenix, we represent clients in Maricopa County and throughout Arizona.