Adoption Attorney in Erie, Pennsylvania

It is a good idea to work with an experienced adoption attorney in order to navigate through the adoption process. Legally, you could write your petition on your own and represent yourself in adoption court. However, drafting petitions and going through court hearings can be complicated; thus, it is in your best interest to let an experienced lawyer handle it, using his or her legal expertise.

Consent to an adoption shall be required of the following:

• The spouse of the adopting parent, unless he or she joins in the adoption petition
• The parents or surviving parent of a child who has not reached age 18
• The guardian of an incapacitated person to be adopted

The guardian or custodian of a child under age 18, whenever the child has no parent whose consent is required

The consent of the parent is not required when:

• The person to be adopted is age 18 or older.
• The child is under age 18 and has no parent living whose consent is required.
• The parental rights of the parent have been terminated.
• The court finds that grounds exist for involuntary termination under § 2511.