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Adopting a Family Member in Pennsylvania

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You are already related to the child you love, but you are not his or her biological parent.

Whether you are that child’s grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative, you have a family bond. You would do anything to protect the child. But as you raise him or her as your own, there may be something more that you can do. It may be something you haven’t thought of yet: you may be able to officially adopt the child and become his or her forever parent.

Adopting a Family Member Under Pennsylvania Law

The child is yours in your heart and in your day-to-day life. However, the child may not be yours under Pennsylvania law. If his or her biological parents have died or revoked their parental rights, you might consider undergoing the process of “kinship adoption.”

Simply put, kinship adoption refers to the process of adopting a relative. Some states also consider close family friends as kin if they have a strong relationship to the child. Kin often receive priority as prospective adoptive parents if the child must leave his or her biological parents.

Formally adopting a family member involves a private adoption, and rules vary by jurisdiction. An experienced lawyer can help seamlessly navigate the process. At Petrelli Previtera, our attorneys guide parents through the steps including:

  • Filing an adoption petition
  • Completing a home study
  • Obtaining clearances
  • Completing the needed reports

With relative adoption, a lawyer can be a big help. An experienced firm can streamline your progress and ensure no errors extend the wait time.

Why Officially Adopt a Relative?

Choosing adoption will ensure the child legally remains a part of the family. You will retain full parental rights under Pennsylvania law. As a legal parent, you will also be able to protect the child’s future.

This child is too important for you to take chances, and your relationship is also too important to risk. Do not assume everything will continue as it has without a formal adoption. Instead, find out how you might each benefit from a formal adoption. An experienced adoption lawyer in Pennsylvania can explain how to get the process started.

Get Started with Formal Adoption

Adoptions come in many forms. We know that the uncertainty of the legal adoption process seems daunting. Our firm tailors our approach to ensure you understand what’s going on and what you need to do. If you’re considering becoming an adoptive parent, feel free to call us or schedule an appointment online.

We have the experience to guide families through this exciting process. We can answer your questions and help you take the next steps to get started.

Client Testimonials

They are amazing! I highly recommend anyone that is in need of assistance with child support hearings to seek out the expertise and experience of this law firm and staff! They handled my case quickly and I feel that my money was put to good use. Much appreciated! Nothing less than five stars!

Alana Deverson

I just want to say GREAT JOB! She is a no nonsense professional with years of experience that qualifies her as a skilled Family Law attorney. She is seasoned, sensitive, and most of all she cares. She made things easy for me. Definitely recommend!

Kimberly Colby

Overall I was pleased with the results of my divorce case. The entire Petrelli Previtera team truly cares about their clients. Luckily for me, I was paired up with an amazing team helping all the way. If you happen to work with this firm and with the lawyers you’ll be in great hands. It was such an excellent service and it was beyond I expected.

A Family Law Client Chevy Chase , MD

Serving Clients at the Following Locations

Bethesda4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda MD 20814(301) 234-7409view details
Maryland5425 Wisconsin Ave Chevy Chase, MD 20815(301) 889-8085view details
ChicagoTwo Prudential Plaza 180 North Stetson Suite 3500 Chicago, IL 60601(312) 252-2085view details
Schaumburg1750 E. Golf Rd, Suite 382 Schaumburg, IL 60173(630) 491-9670view details
Texas500 W 2nd St Suite 1900 Austin, TX 78701(512) 883-1684view details
Washington DC1717 K Street NW, Suite 900 Washington DC 20006(202) 519-0366view details
Denver7900 E. Union Ave. Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80237(720) 821-6440view details
Princeton475 Wall St, Suite 214, Princeton, NJ 08540(609) 917 9560view details
Linwood210 New Road #15 Linwood, NJ 08221(609) 375-0351view details
Parsippany8 Campus Dr, Parsippany, NJ 07054(973) 310-5320view details
Philadelphia1845 Walnut Street 19th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103(215) 523-6900view details
Montgomery County516 DeKalb Street Suite C Norristown, PA 19401(610) 924-2870view details
Doylestown123 N Broad Street, Doylestown, PA 18901(267) 938-4480view details
Abington1147 Easton Road, Abington PA 19001(610) 890-4833view details
West Chester203 W. Chestnut St., Suite 204
West Chester, PA. 19380
(610) 431-4012view details
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