Services
Adoption Finalization
Lauren handles the legal finalization of adoptions, whether independent or agency adoptions, including interstate adoptions where the adoption is being finalized in California. Typically Lauren becomes involved once a match is made with an expectant mother. Lauren guides clients through the legal process from the match through the adoption finalization.
Expectant Parent/Birth Parent Representation
Lauren provides legal guidance and advice to any expectant/birth parent considering placing a child for adoption at no cost to the expectant/birth parent. Placing a child for adoption is a big decision and Lauren believes that every expectant/birth parent should have proficient counsel to walk alongside them through the process of choosing a family and signing legal consent documents. Although California law technically allows the same attorney to represent both the adoptive parents and the birth parents, as a matter of personal practice, Lauren will only represent one party to the adoption. She believes this is the best way to ensure that each side receives competent and unbiased legal representation in such an important legal process.
Stepparent or Second Parent Adoption
Adoption by one parent’s spouse or domestic partner is very common. In an adoption by a step-parent, the adoption typically must still be investigated and approved by the court. Lauren handles all necessary filings, including obtaining the other parent’s consent or termination of rights, in order for the adoption to proceed.
In situations where the child was conceived through artificial reproductive technology, depending on the circumstances, there may be some simplified procedures allowing for the adoption to be finalized without an investigation or hearing. Lauren can prepare all of the required filings and help streamline this process.
Adult Adoption
Adult adoptions are becoming increasingly common in California. Often they are completed to formalize an existing parent-child-like relationship or to complete an adoption that was not finalized prior to the adoptee’s eighteenth birthday. Adult adoptions are some of Lauren’s favorite cases to handle because of the meaningfulness to all parties involved. Lauren drafts all the required documents so that the adoption is legally recognized by the court.
Pre-Adoption Consultation
Interested in adoption, but don’t know where to start? Whether you are interested in obtaining general information about adoption, or have specific questions about your particular situation, you can schedule a consultation session with Lauren for a flat fee of $250. Please email info@laurenbateslaw.com to schedule a consultation.
Dependency
In situations where there are allegations of parental/guardian abuse or neglect, the court will often intervene and those cases are handled in the juvenile dependency system. Lauren is dependency-certified by the San Diego Superior Court and represents minors, foster parents, or relatives in these proceedings.
Lauren is based in San Diego County, but works with clients on matters in all counties throughout California, including Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Napa, Sonoma, and Humboldt.