Dear Adopting Parents

DEAR ADOPTING PARENTS

Frequently Asked Questions

What if we only want to adopt a girl?

We give great latitude to our clients in deciding what kind of adoption is best for them, whether it is a matter of gender, race, time frame, budget, or openness.

Are you always reachable?

I am available 24 hours a day by cell phone, e-mail and voice-mail to clients and birth parents. I, alone, am responsible for every aspect of your case and you can expect me to be available to handle any and all emergencies that may arise.

What expenses should we expect?

Usually, birth parents need living expenses since they cannot work a few months preceding and following the birth. Medical bills may or may not be covered by state assistance (Medicaid or MediCal). In interstate matters, you will need to retain an attorney and/or agency to assist in the baby’s hospital release and the legal requirements of that state. You will be made aware of the approximate expenses before you decide to proceed.

What is a home study?

A home study is an evaluation by a public or private licensed adoption agency that gives you the “stamp of approval” to adopt. Don’t worry - it is more informative than investigative. It is required in every adoption; however, state laws and agency regulations differ as to what needs to be included and assessed as well as to when it needs to be completed - whether before or after the adoptive placement. I can help you locate a licensed agency. You do not need to complete the home study before you retain me to assist you.

What if the birth father doesn’t cooperate?

This is a complicated question best answered with specificity in your case. A birth father does not have to sign a consent to be cooperative; there are court actions which dispense with his consent. Some states have registries which require the birth father to take action or lose rights. It is imperative to get the complete legal picture to assess the very real risks of proceeding if the father is not notified because his identity or location is unknown, or in the worst case, he threatens to contest an adoptive placement.

Are we reimbursed if the adoption is disrupted?

Birth parents have no legal obligation to repay expenses if they change their mind. You may be eligible for an adoption tax credit of adoption related expenses for both successful and failed adoptions, so you should consult your tax professional. An experienced adoption attorney can protect you emotionally and financially.

Do you charge for a consultation?

I encourage you to call me to obtain information about fees and policies. I will give you a lot of basic information in your initial phone inquiries providing answers to general questions. I offer a brief introductory meeting at no charge. If you decide to retain me, you will review and sign a retainer agreement and pay a fee in accord with the retainer agreement

Why should we hire you?

I offer clients many years of legal experience entirely dedicated to the practice of adoptions. I have the unique advantage of bringing to the table my experience as a former teacher, adoptive parent, and visionary. I believe being a woman gives me a tremendous advantage in nurturing and supporting birth mothers to keep their resolve to make an adoptive placement and to relate well with their families. I have good intuition and work to provide adopting parents and birth parents a conducive environment for a successful placement. I have come up with many ideas which others have helped turn into positive adoption laws in California. I singularly founded the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys which keeps our membership educated and informed on all aspects of adoption and provides a strong referral base. Most importantly, I have a very personal practice evidenced by the fact that I am still in touch with a great many of our families and offer a life-long service of intermediating photos and communication, including updated health information, between adoptive and birth families.

The Law Offices of
Karen R. Lane
A Professional Corporation

DEAR ADOPTING PARENTS

About Your Decision
Legal Services: California Clients
Legal Services: Out of State Clients
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you help us locate birth parents?
What if we only want to adopt a girl?
Are you always reachable?
What expenses should we expect?
What is a home study?
What if the birth father doesn’t cooperate?
Are we reimbursed if the adoption is disrupted?
Do you charge for a consultation?
Why should we hire you?

Do you help us locate birth parents?

Yes, as allowed by California law. I assist in advertising where legally allowed and screening birth parents who respond. I offer guidance to clients how they can

locate adoption opportunities.

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What if we only want to adopt a girl?

We give great latitude to our clients in deciding what kind of adoption is best for them, whether it is a matter of gender, race, time frame, budget, or openness.

back to top

Are you always reachable?

I am available 24 hours a day by cell phone, e-mail and voice-mail to clients and birth parents. I, alone, am responsible for every aspect of your case and you can expect me to be available to handle any and all emergencies that may arise.

back to top

What expenses should we expect?

Usually, birth parents need living expenses since they cannot work a few months preceding and following the birth. Medical bills may or may not be covered by state assistance (Medicaid or MediCal). In interstate matters, you will need to retain an attorney and/or agency to assist in the baby’s hospital release and the legal requirements of that state. You will be made aware of the approximate expenses before you decide to proceed.

back to top

What is a home study?

A home study is an evaluation by a public or private licensed adoption agency that gives you the “stamp of approval” to adopt. Don’t worry - it is more informative than investigative. It is required in every adoption; however, state laws and agency regulations differ as to what needs to be included and assessed as well as to when it needs to be completed - whether before or after the adoptive placement. I can help you locate a licensed agency. You do not need to complete the home study before you retain me to assist you.

back to top

What if the birth father doesn’t cooperate?

This is a complicated question best answered with specificity in your case. A birth father does not have to sign a consent to be cooperative; there are court actions which dispense with his consent. Some states have registries which require the birth father to take action or lose rights. It is imperative to get the complete legal picture to assess the very real risks of proceeding if the father is not notified because his identity or location is unknown, or in the worst case, he threatens to contest an adoptive placement.

back to top

Are we reimbursed if the adoption is disrupted?

Birth parents have no legal obligation to repay expenses if they change their mind. You may be eligible for an adoption tax credit of adoption related expenses for both successful and failed adoptions, so you should consult your tax professional. An experienced adoption attorney can protect you emotionally and financially.

back to top

Do you charge for a consultation?

I encourage you to call me to obtain information about fees and policies. I will give you a lot of basic information in your initial phone inquiries providing answers to general questions. I offer a brief introductory meeting at no charge. If you decide to retain me, you will review and sign a retainer agreement and pay a fee in accord with the retainer agreement

back to top

Why should we hire you?

I offer clients many years of legal experience entirely dedicated to the practice of adoptions. I have the unique advantage of bringing to the table my experience as a former teacher, adoptive parent, and visionary. I believe being a woman gives me a tremendous advantage in nurturing and supporting birth mothers to keep their resolve to make an adoptive placement and to relate well with their families. I have good intuition and work to provide adopting parents and birth parents a conducive environment for a successful placement. I have come up with many ideas which others have helped turn into positive adoption laws in California. I singularly founded the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys which keeps our membership educated and informed on all aspects of adoption and provides a strong referral base. Most importantly, I have a very personal practice evidenced by the fact that I am still in touch with a great many of our families and offer a life-long service of intermediating photos and communication, including updated health information, between adoptive and birth families.

back to top

11755 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1250
Los Angeles, California 90025

Telephone: 424.228-7727
Cellular: 310.663-3467
karenrlane@sbcglobal.net

The Law Offices of Karen R. Lane
Specializing in:
Independent Adoptions; Agency Adoptions; Interstate Adoptions; Adult Adoptions;
Step-Parent Adoptions; Guardianships; Mediation

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