# Washington Adoption Attorney in Spokane - Hodgson Law Office - / - Spokane Family Law Attorney - /family-law - Adoption ## Washington Adoption Attorney in Spokane Between filling out adoption paperwork, connecting with an adoption agency, and scheduling a home study, the entire adoption process is quite complex. That's why you need experienced adoption attorneys like those at [Hodgson Law Office](https://hodgsonlawoffices.com/) in your corner. [Get a Consultation](https://hodgsonlawoffices.com/contact-us) ## Our Adoption Attorneys Can Help You Adopt a Child in Spokane, WA Becoming an adoptive family gives you the opportunity to provide children or youth with love, support, and nurturing during the most formative time of their lives. However, becoming adoptive parents can be incredibly challenging. For years, Hodgson Law Office has helped adoptive families navigate Washington family law, obtain parental rights, and make their homes complete. Our team will be with you every step of the way, from helping you understand the foster care system to preparing for home studies and settling into your new family dynamic post-placement. ## What Is Adoption? Adoption is the legal process by which you petition the court to establish a parent-child relationship where one does not exist through blood relations. There are many different circumstances where adoptions may be the best path forward. A few examples include couples who may be incapable of having their own children, a step-parent married to the biological parent of a child who wants full parental rights, or even older adults who want to formalize their parent-child relationship with other adults. Under Washington State family law, one or both of a child's birth parents must have had their rights terminated by the courts. This termination can be voluntary or involuntary. In many of these situations, it is required that adoption cases be handled by an adoption attorney. ## Types of Adoption in Washington State ### Domestic Adoption Domestic adoption is one of the most common forms of adoption. It involves the adoption of a young adult, child, toddler, or infant. Adoptive parents may or may not be related to the child. ### Open Adoption Open adoption allows birth parents and adoptive parents to communicate and exchange information. Formal open adoptions are enforceable legal contracts that include specific rules regarding visitation, communication, and grounds for termination of the agreement. ### Closed Adoption Closed adoptions seal all identifying information about the adoptive parents and birth parents. Typically, you'll be able to obtain non-identifying information like the child's ethnic background and medical history, but you won't be able to contact the biological parents. ### Foster Parents Adoption A foster parent will often adopt their foster child. However, adopting a child through the foster care system can be incredibly difficult, as the birth parents haven't had their parental rights terminated yet. ### Second Parent Adoption Second parent adoptions allow a person to adopt their significant other's children without terminating the biological parent's rights. Our attorneys have the resources and experience necessary to assist with this complex form of adoption. ### Stepparent Adoption The court will terminate the parental rights of one parent and assign those rights to the other parent's spouse. It's hard to achieve this type of adoption unless you can prove it is in the best interests of the children. ### Interstate and International Adoption Our adoption firm understands the nuances of [international and interstate child custody laws](https://hodgsonlawoffices.com/blog/child-support-order-extends-across-the-ocean) and can help your family adopt a child or children who were born outside of the United States. ### Same-Sex Adoption Same-sex adoptions can be open or closed and involve families with parents of the same biological sex. If you are interested, we'll connect you with an attorney who can provide assistance with same-sex adoptions. ## Schedule a Consultation With Mark D. Hodgson [Get a Consultation](https://hodgsonlawoffices.com/contact-us) As an experienced Spokane attorney, I will protect your rights and guide you through your case. You do not have to go through this alone, I will help you every step of the way. Consultations are $300 for 30 minutes. ## Contact Spokane Adoption Attorneys for Help - If you are seeking adoption, contact our team and speak with an experienced adoption attorney. [Get a Consultation](https://hodgsonlawoffices.com/contact-us) lawyer family and divorce family law spokane spokane family law ## What Are the Requirements for Adopting a Child in Washington? Washington State has a few restrictions on adoptive families. If you are interested in the permanent placement of an adoptive child in your home, you must: - Be 18 years of age - Be legally competent - Complete a pre-adoption home study with a social worker or foster care agency - Pay any associated fees If you meet these requirements, an attorney at Hodgson Law Office can help you navigate the adoption process. We can prepare documents for the court, file petitions, and determine the best type of adoption for your family's unique needs. ## What Are Consent Requirements for Adopting a Child in Spokane? Consent is one of the biggest hurdles you'll encounter prior to obtaining permanency of parental rights. Several parties have to consent to your adoption, including: - Birth parents - Legal guardians - Any state organization involved in the case - Adoptee (if they are over the age of 14) These requirements are designed to protect the child from bad living situations. If the court has removed the birth parents' rights, you do not need to obtain their consent prior to placement. ## How Long Does the Adoption Process Take in Washington? The time it takes to complete adoptions varies based on factors like the type of adoption, the agency you work with, and specific circumstances concerning the party being adopted. Domestic infant adoptions can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months, and foster care adoptions can take even less time. International adoptions tend to take the longest due to international legal requirements and the immigration processes involved. Stepparent and adult adoptions are often the fastest. ## How Do I Start the Adoption Process in Washington State? If you want to adopt in Washington State, you'll need to: - Choose the adoption method that fits your family's needs - Connect with a reputable adoption attorney and agency - Complete the home study and background check - Attend orientation sessions and workshops to familiarize yourself with how the process works - Prepare all legal forms and required document - Attend any requisite court hearings Following these steps will accelerate your path to the post-placement phase of your adoption journey. ## Reach Out to Spokane Adoption Lawyers Today Book a consultation on our website adoption page, and let us help you adopt! Consultations are $300 for 30 minutes. Get a Consultation ## Why You Need an Adoption Attorney The adoption attorneys at Hodgson Law Office can help with creating your application, selecting the type of adoption that matches your family's needs, filing paperwork, and finding a reputable adoption agency. Our team helps you understand your options and choose the best path forward for your family. At HLO, we understand that it takes a big heart to adopt a child. We want to make sure you are legally free to care for and love your adoptive child by ensuring you have the appropriate parental rights under Washington State law. ## Schedule a Consultation With Mark D. Hodgson [Get a Consultation](https://hodgsonlawoffices.com/contact-us) As an experienced Spokane attorney, I will protect your rights and guide you through your case. You do not have to go through this alone, I will help you every step of the way. Consultations are $300 for 30 minutes. ## Testimonials Reviews From Our Clients ## our team Meet Our Attorneys Our attorneys and legal assistants share a passion for helping families grow through adoption. With coordinated representation between lawyers and legal assistants, we prioritize your goals and guide you through the adoption process. Meet our compassionate team below. [our team](https://hodgsonlawoffices.com/our-team) ## locations Areas We Serve ## Schedule a Consultation with Our Spokane Adoption Attorneys Book a 30-minute consultation with an HLO adoption attorney for $300 today! We look forward to guiding you on your adoption journey. Thank you! Your message has been submitted Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. ## FAQ Adoption fees, court fees, and the hourly rate of your attorney are all factors you need to consider. The costs can vary greatly, but domestic, in-state adoptions are typically far less expensive than international adoptions. - How much does an adoption attorney cost? You'll need to provide your lawyer with a wide range of documents, including your birth certificate, marriage certificate, doctor's examination forms, proof of health insurance, passports, reference letters, home study documents, and the results of your criminal background check. - What documents are needed for adoption? Yes, you can adopt an adult in Washington State. Doing so can ensure a person is legally recognized as your heir for inheritance purposes, formalize close relationships, or ensure access to long-term health care. - Can I adopt an adult? If you adopt a minor, you can claim the federal adoption tax credit for that tax year. The tax credit helps you write off qualified adoption expenses like travel, agency fees, and attorney fees. If your fees exceed the tax credit value for that year, you can itemize your write-offs. - Are there any tax benefits for adoption? --- Hodgson Law Office — [https://hodgsonlawoffices.com/family-law/child-adoption](https://hodgsonlawoffices.com/family-law/child-adoption)