For the third year in a row, Lauren Bates has been named to the list of San Diego Super Lawyers Rising Stars!
Read moreDomestic Adoption Costs
One of the first questions that I am typically asked by hopeful adoptive parents pursuing domestic adoption is “How much does adoption cost?” Read below to learn about the cost range of domestic adoptions, where the money goes, and some tips for funding your adoption.
Read moreStepparent Adoption FAQs
Interested in learning more about adopting your stepchild or stepchildren? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the stepparent adoption process in California.
Read moreAdoption Temporary Identification Numbers
If you adopted in 2018 and are in the process of finalizing the adoption, but do not expect to have your child’s new social security number before tax filing time, then you can request an Adoption Temporary Identification Number (“ATIN”) from the IRS in order to claim the child as a dependent and (if eligible) to claim the child care credit. For more information on ATIN, and a link to the form required by the IRS, read below.
Read moreAdoption Quotes
Adoption Books We Love
There are so many wonderful children’s books with adoption-related themes; I could not possibly cover all of them in one post. Periodically, I’ll share the adoption books we love. Our daughter is 14 months-old, so we are drawn to shorter books with simple text and colorful pictures. Below are our current favorites.
Read moreNational Adoption Awareness Month
Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. The initiative was originally started in oder to increase awareness of the number of children in the foster care system that were awaiting permanent placement with a family.
Read moreOverview of the Adoption Process
When considering adoption, the process may seem daunting at first, particularly because there are many different paths to adoption and no two adoption cases are the same. Below is an overview of the typical steps that make up the domestic adoption process in California. Each case is unique, and these steps may occur in a different order depending on the circumstances.
Read moreTypes of Adoption
If you are considering adoption, usually the first step is to decide which type of adoption to pursue based on what is right for you and your family. Often certain factors, such as cost and desired age of the child, can dictate the type of adoption that fits best so it’s important to consider those factors when making your decision. Below is a basic overview of the three main ways that children are adopted in California.
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