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Adoptions & Family Planning

Adoption Attorneys in Oregon & Washington

Adoption Attorneys in Oregon & Washington

Adoption policies and practices are complicated. In many cases, the process involves completing a home study conducted by an adoption agency, negotiating an adoption contract, and adhering to state and federal guidelines. Different laws apply depending on the type of adoption process you pursue.
  • Private/independent adoptions: An attorney can act as a mediator between both families to create a clear, well-written adoption contract that benefits everyone.
  • Agency-assisted adoptions: Adoption agencies typically have a more rigid process but offer more training than a private adoption. We can help you decide which approach is right for you.
  • International/intercultural adoptions: Customs, laws, and regulations surrounding adoption differ across international borders. We can help you navigate these issues and can even work side by side with an immigration lawyer.
  • Step-parent adoptions: Adopting a stepchild typically requires consent from the noncustodial parent, who will relinquish parental rights and responsibilities.
  • Foster care adoptions: When it comes to adopting a child in the foster care system, the courts give priority to relatives and people with a past close relationship to the child, but anyone can explore the possibility of adopting a child in the foster care system.

Assisted Reproductive Technology

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has helped thousands of people welcome healthy babies into their families. It includes in vitro fertilization, sperm or egg donation, and surrogacy.

  • Donation: As in many states, eggs and embryos are legally considered property in both Oregon and Washington, so it’s important to have a clear, well-written agreement in place. Otherwise, legal disagreements can be decided by a court based on transfer of property laws.
  • Surrogacy: When a person agrees to become a surrogate, both parties should sign a detailed contract that outlines each person’s rights and responsibilities—ideally with the help of an experienced family law attorney.

A Community of Resources

As family law attorneys, we understand the complexities and nuances of family creation laws in Oregon and Washington. But the experience of creating or expanding a family extends far beyond the legal considerations. We can help you build a community of resources and professionals who have experience helping families make these important transitions. This support system might include parenting professionals, counselors, medical resources, and more.

attorneys

Emily Roberts
Emily Roberts

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Brooke Ferris
Brooke Ferris

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Our Locations

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Portland

We can help.

For more than 40 years, the attorneys at Gevurtz Menashe have been providing counsel to families during some of the most pivotal transitions in life, including creating and growing families. We understand that this life-changing process is unique for each person. All family law issues are human issues first and foremost, which is why our primary goal is always to provide the best possible outcome for families.

If you are planning to welcome a new person into your family and you have questions, we are here to help. To speak with a divorce attorney in Oregon or Washington, please call our Portland office at 503-227-1515, our Vancouver office at (360)-823-0410, or schedule a consultation online. 
 

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