Protecting What Matters Most

Skilled Legal Counsel For New York Adoptions

Adopting a child into your family is a significant event for everyone involved, from the new parents to the child. However, it is important to know and protect your legal rights when adopting.

I am family law attorney Keith Schulefand and at Keith B. Schulefand, Esq., in Buffalo, I have over 30 years of family law experience to help you through even the most difficult challenges. I have the skill you need to guide you through the entire child adoption process.

Types Of Adoptions I Handle

I can help you affirm your rights in a wide range of adoptions, including:

  • Open adoptions — The birth parents must consent to the adoption and transfer the legal relationship of the child to the adoptive parents. However, an open adoption allows some contact between the birth parents and the child.
  • Second-parent adoptions — This is usually an option for the nonbiological parent in same-sex couples to form a legal relationship with their child.
  • Stepparent adoptions — A form of open adoption. If you have a new spouse after a divorce, I can help them through the adoption process.
  • Grandparent adoptions — Whether designated in an estate plan or in the event of a child neglect case, I can help grandparents obtain custody rights and legally adopt grandchildren.

Adoption establishes a legal relationship that is recognized by the New York and federal governments, and provides you with parental rights. Adoption papers and processes are detailed and often complex, but I offer knowledgeable counsel every step of the way.

Understanding The Child’s Best Interest

Just like in child custody matters, adoption issues always rely on the best interests of the child. The adoption process requires various steps, including reviews of your background and current lifestyle. Especially in open adoptions, the birth parents may specify certain qualifications for the child’s adoptive parents.

At my law office, I always strive to reach resolutions that everyone involved can live with. It is a process of compromise and negotiation, but as a skilled family law attorney, I have the experience to guide you and protect the best interests of you and your children.

Contact My Office Today

I always look out for what matters most — your family. Please send me an email to arrange for a free consultation at my office in Williamsville today.