Adoption
Making it official – because family is about love, not just biology.
Adoption is one of the most meaningful legal matters we have the privilege of handling. It’s the moment when what has already been true in your heart becomes true on paper.
At Lewis Kannegieter Law, Ltd. we guide families through the adoption process with care, compassion, and genuine joy for what this milestone represents.
Uncontested Adoptions
We handle uncontested adoptions – cases where all necessary parties are in agreement and the process can move forward cooperatively. Our adoption practice includes:
Stepparent Adoption: For many blended families, stepparent adoption is the natural next step – a legal recognition of a bond that has already been built over years of love, care, and commitment. Whether you’re a stepparent who has raised your spouse’s child as your own or a family completing a same-sex adoption to ensure both parents are legally recognized, we’re here to guide you through the process with clarity and compassion.
Second Parent Adoption: Second parent adoption allows a non-biological parent to legally adopt their partner’s child without terminating the biological parent’s rights. This is an important step for many same-sex couples who want to ensure that both parents have full legal rights and responsibilities – protecting the child and the family regardless of what the future holds.
Adult Adoption: Adult adoption is less commonly known but deeply meaningful. It most often involves formalizing a stepparent and stepchild relationship after the child has already reached adulthood – putting legal recognition behind a relationship that has existed for years. Whatever your situation, if you’re looking to make a family relationship official, we’re here to help.
The Legal Process
Adoption involves court filings, background checks, and specific legal requirements that vary depending on the type of adoption and the ages of the people involved. We handle the legal details from start to finish, explaining each step along the way so you always know where you stand and what comes next. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible – so you can focus on celebrating what matters.
Adoption and Your Estate Plan
Adoption has important legal implications beyond the courtroom. Once an adoption is finalized, the adopted person has the same legal rights as a biological child – including inheritance rights. If you have an existing estate plan, an adoption may be a good reason to review and update your documents to make sure everything reflects your current family. If you don’t yet have an estate plan in place, a completed adoption is a perfect time to start one. We’d be happy to help with both.
How We Can Help
At Lewis Kannegieter Law, Ltd. we understand that adoption is one of life’s most meaningful milestones – and we’re honored to be part of it. We are here to handle the legal details from start to finish so you can focus on celebrating what this moment means for your family. Whether you’re ready to move forward or just starting to explore the process, reach out today to learn more about how we can help make it official.
More Than a Will: A Guide to Total Estate Planning by Jennifer R. Lewis Kannegieter
Most adults know they need an estate plan – but knowing where to start is another matter. This easy-to-read book walks you through everything you need to know, from the basics of wills and trusts to choosing the right agents and understanding the Total Estate Planning difference. A stress-free introduction before you ever walk through our door.