About Lauren Bates

As an adoptive mother herself, Lauren is truly passionate about adoption and works diligently to represent her clients' best interests throughout the process. 

Lauren can either represent the adoptive parent(s) or the expectant parent(s) in an adoption. Regardless of which side of the adoption she is on, she prides herself in providing thorough counsel and advice to her clients so that everyone is well informed about the adoption process. In addition, Lauren believes that adoptions should be child-centered to ensure that the match, the adoption, and decisions made throughout the process are all made with consideration of the child’s best interest in the long-term.

In addition to adoption cases, she also handles cases in the juvenile dependency system. She takes pride in providing her clients with support, guidance, and excellent representation while they are navigating a difficult court system.

Areas of Expertise

• Independent Adoption

• Agency Adoption

• Interstate Adoption

• Adoptive Parent Representation

• Expectant Parent Representation

• Stepparent Adoption

• Second Parent Adoption

• Relative Adoption

• Adult Adoption

• Dependency/Foster Care Cases

Lauren is based in San Diego County, but works in all courts throughout California.

Testimonials

“Working with Lauren was everything we needed in an adoption attorney. She shared her legal expertise and also her experience as a mother of adopted children. In a tricky situation, she made the process as smooth and uncomplicated as she could. We highly recommend Lauren!”

-Kristan

“Being from Michigan we researched several attorneys in the San Diego area before making a decision on who would represent us. Lauren not only had the legal qualifications we were looking for, but we knew she would personally understand the vulnerabilities and emotional rollercoaster that adoption entails. Lauren is professional, meticulous, extremely competent, and exceeded our expectations. Personally, she is compassionate, genuine, and it is evident that she loves her job. As a nurse, I felt called to dedicate my life to helping others. I observed this same passion in Lauren and we will always be grateful for the role she played in the adoption of our baby boy.”

-Sarah

”Lauren was amazing to work with. Through her diligent efforts and guidance she helped make our adoption process as smooth as possible resulting in the biggest blessing in our lives.”

-Phil