Adoption Lawyers in Wayne County

Livonia Attorneys for Adoption Proceedings

Adopting your stepchild can be an ideal way for you to strengthen relationships within your family, as well as one of the greatest experiences of your life. The provisions of the Michigan Adoption Code, however, can be extremely complex and challenging for the average person to navigate alone. Certain requirements must be met before an adoption can be finalized so that stepparents can obtain all of the rights and responsibilities allowed by law.

At Elkouri Heath PLC, we recognize the importance of having a skilled adoption lawyer on your side throughout the adoption process. We offer compassionate, responsible representation and guidance for parents looking to provide long-term security for their stepchildren. If you are a stepparent looking to adopt your spouse's child, we can help.

Caring Professionals for Adoption in Livingston

Attorneys Susan Elkouri and Symantha Heath have been serving families in southeast Michigan for more than 20 years. During that time, we have helped many clients on both sides of family adoption proceedings. Family adoptions, including stepparent adoptions, are among the most common types of adoptions in the United States. In a successful family adoption, a person related to the child obtains full legal parental rights.

Michigan law provides that a child may have, at most, two legal parents. Therefore, if a stepparent wishes to become one of those two parents, the child's other parent must usually have his or her parental rights terminated. In some cases, the other parent may consent to the adoption and voluntarily relinquish his or her parental rights and responsibilities. If the other parent does not consent, however, the only chance of completing the adoption is by proving that the parent should have his or her parental rights terminated involuntarily. Doing so can be extremely difficult and should only be attempted if it is clearly in the child's best interests.

A stepparent adoption may also be appropriate following the death of the legal parent. Oftentimes, when a parent remarries following the death of a spouse, the stepparent will assume legal responsibility for the children through an adoption in order to offer security and stability going forward. Such cases, however, may involve grandparents and other family members who may have opposing views. Our attorneys are sensitive to the personal nature of family adoption proceedings, and we can help you find the best solution for your situation.

We Can Help

At Elkouri Heath PLC, our experienced attorneys are proud to help stepparents solidify the relationships they enjoy with their stepchildren. We also know how important it is for birth parents to protect their rights if and when they are threatened. Whether you are looking to adopt your stepchild or your former partner's new spouse is trying to adopt your child, we are prepared to work hard on your behalf.

Contact our office today to learn more about the family adoption process in Michigan. Call 248-344-9700 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of the team at Elkouri Heath PLC today. Our firm is located in Novi, MI and is proud to serve individuals and families in Livonia, Canton, Macomb, Livingston, Northville, Farmington Hills, Oakland County, Wayne County, and the surrounding areas.