If you are bringing a new child into your home, formally adopting a stepchild or seeking custody of a child in trouble, the Law Office of Stephen E. Dubner can assist with the paperwork and represent you in court proceedings.
Stephen Dubner is a solo attorney who has practiced in family law since 2001 in Denton County and the greater DFW area. He can guide you through the complex requirements to complete adoption as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Call 214-257-8818 for a free consultation.
Stepparent Adoption
Adopting a stepson or stepdaughter gives you full legal standing to make decisions for that child as if you were the natural parent. It also confers inheritance rights, child support and other benefits to the child and affirms the emotional bond.
If the biological parent is deceased, formal stepparent adoption is a simple process. If the parent is living but absent from the child’s life, we must initiate proceedings for termination of parental rights. A parent who owes substantial child support or has no relationship with the child may voluntarily waive parental rights. Mr. Dubner can also represent your interests if termination is contested.
Private Adoption
We don’t arrange adoptions, but we can help if you have found a child through an agency or private agreement with a woman who is giving up her child. Mr. Dubner can draft or review the agreement to make sure that your rights are protected and that the transfer is as smooth as possible.
International Adoption
Stephen Dubner also has experience with international adoption laws.
Grandparent/Non-Parent Custody and Adoption
Stephen Dubner has handled petitions for custody by grandparents, an adult sibling, foster parents, other relatives or family friends. If the child is already under your care, a Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) appoints you as the “managing conservator” conferring full but temporary custody. A SAPCR petition can also intervene to remove a child from an environment of abuse, neglect or imminent harm — keeping the child with relatives rather than going to foster care.
The natural parent may later seek to regain custody. We have also handled formal adoption by grandparents or relatives if the parent has died or abandoned the child.
Experienced Stepparent Adoption, Private Adoption and SAPCR Assistance
Mr. Dubner is diligent in addressing the legal aspects and sensitive to the family dynamics. Contact our Lewisville, Texas, lawyer to discuss your case in a free initial consultation.