Stacy L. Van Dyken Attorney at Law

Call The Firm At 616-776-3902

Stacy L. Van Dyken Attorney at Law

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More Than Two Decades Of Serving Families Across Grand Rapids

Do You Need A Grand Rapids Adoption Attorney?

Are you considering adoption in West Michigan? The journey can be filled with both excitement and uncertainty. You may be facing difficult decisions and wondering what the future holds. You can find seasoned legal guidance at Stacy L. Van Dyken, P.C.. The firm was founded by a dedicated family law attorney who has been practicing law in Michigan since 2003.

Stacy Van Dyken has helped countless families in Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities with many different types of family law legal challenges. She is passionate about her work and has a deep understanding of the applicable Michigan laws. If you need legal support for your Michigan adoption, she can provide legal guidance and advice.

Helping Clients Navigate A Wide Range Of Adoption Scenarios

Adoptions can come in many different forms. Each adoption scenario has its own unique process and requirements. Here are some of the most common types of adoption scenarios in Michigan:

  • Direct placement adoption: A direct placement adoption occurs when a birth parent directly places their child with the adoptive parents. It often involves an agency or attorney to facilitate the transition and ensure that all legal requirements are met.
  • Stepparent adoptions: When a stepparent wants to adopt their spouse’s child, they may do so in a stepparent adoption. A stepparent adoption legally establishes a parental relationship.
  • Adult adoption: This type of adoption involves adopting someone over the age of 18. It can be used to formalize a parent-child relationship that has existed for years or to ensure inheritance rights.
  • Custodial adoption: In this scenario, a relative or close family friend who has been caring for a child seeks to adopt, which can provide stability and permanency for the child.
  • Third-party adoption: This involves adopting a child from someone who is not a relative, such as through an agency or private arrangement.
  • Infant and newborn adoptions: This is the adoption of a baby shortly after birth. An adoption agency or lawyer is usually involved to assist with the legal process.

It is important to note that a child can only have two legal parents. If child custody was established during a divorce or paternity action, an adoption attorney can help you evaluate your options and navigate potential challenges. For example, in a stepparent adoption, the stepparent and biological parent must be married for at least two years. The court will also look back at the child’s relationship with their other biological parent to see if there has been contact.

How Much Does An Adoption Proceeding Cost In Michigan?

The cost of adoption in Michigan can vary widely depending on the type of adoption. It may include legal fees, agency fees and other expenses related to the process. Adoption attorney Van Dyken can help you understand the potential costs and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth adoption journey.

How Long Does It Take To Adopt A Child In Michigan?

The time it takes to adopt a child in Michigan can vary based on several factors, including the type of adoption and the specific circumstances of the case. Generally, the process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Factors such as background checks, home studies and court procedures can influence the timeline. Adoption lawyer Van Dyken will work diligently to ensure that your adoption process moves as quickly and smoothly as possible while meeting all legal requirements.

What Is The Difference Between Foster Care And Adoption?

Foster care and adoption are both ways to provide a loving home for a child, but they serve different purposes. Foster care is a temporary arrangement in which a child is placed with a foster family. A child may be separated or removed from their biological parents for a number of reasons, including an investigation by Children’s Protective Services (CPS) for allegations of abuse or neglect.

Adoption, on the other hand, is a permanent legal process that transfers parental rights from the birth parents to the adoptive parents. Adoption provides a stable and permanent home for the child, whereas foster care is intended to be a temporary solution. In some scenarios, foster children are later adopted by their foster parents.

Schedule A Consultation With An Adoption Attorney

If you are considering adoption and need guidance, attorney Van Dyken is here to provide legal counsel and advice that is based on more than 20 years of experience. Her compassionate approach and dedication to your family’s needs will provide the support you need during this important journey.

To schedule a consultation, you can call 616-776-3902 or send a message through her website. Let adoption attorney Van Dyken assist you in creating the family you’ve always dreamed of having.