- Private Adoptions
- Step-parent Adoptions
- Agency Adoptions
- Interstate Adoptions
- International Adoptions
- Adult Adoptions
- Guardianship of Disabled children
Adoptions, the establishment of the legal relationship of parent and child by choice, are governed by RCW 26.33 (Intrastate) and RCW 26.34 (Interstate). In 2009 and 2010 there were only 10 adoptions completed each year in Stevens County. Source: Washington Courts.
There are many different types of adoptions, shown by the bulleted list above. We can help with any of these different types of adoptions. The cost of adoptions ranges widely, with adult adoptions typically costing about $500 (plus court costs), while interstate and international adoptions can cost $10,000 or more.
A typical private adoption involves a pre-placement and post-placement home study of the pre-adoptive parents and can also involve extensive background checks. Agency adoptions involve adopting children who are “wards” or “dependents” of the State of Washington, and involve special rules. Step-parent adoptions are generally easier and cheaper because the child is already in the home of one legal parent and that parent’s new spouse (the step-parent). Open adoptions are becoming more commonplace and we can help you to negotiate a “tailor-fit” open adoption agreement to fit the specific needs and circumstances as well as design appropriate arrangements between birth parents, adoptive parents and the child. Call us at 509-685-1230 for an initial consultation.