Posts in Adoption

You’ve built a bond that feels like family. Now you want the law to recognize it and are wondering: Can you adopt an adult? If you are in Bowling Green, the answer may be yes. From honoring a parent-like relationship to securing legal decision-making power, adult adoption can turn deep personal connections into a recognized legal bond. Understanding the...

A guardian is a nonparent with legal authority to protect a child’s interests, but they do not hold parental rights. Parents may retain authority over major, long-term decisions. Deciding between legal guardianship vs. adoption can feel deeply personal and overwhelming, especially when thinking about a child’s future. Both adoption and legal guardianship can give a child a loving home,...

Are you a step-parent who dreams of legally adopting your spouse’s child? Do you wonder if step-parent adoption without bio-father consent is possible? Adoption can be a complicated process, especially when the biological father’s consent is in question. A step–parent adoption can proceed without the other parent’s consent if that parent abandoned the child by failing to pay support...

When families face legal questions about children, emotions run high. As a family law attorney in Bowling Green with over 30 years of experience, Pamela C. Bratcher walks beside parents, grandparents, and relatives during some of the most difficult times of their lives.  Common options that many Kentucky families with children weigh are guardianship vs. custody. While the two...

Grandparents are amazing. They are a great wealth of knowledge and warmth, and they might even spoil a grandchild or two. Many grandparents also take on the difficult position of caring for their grandchildren when parents cannot. But can grandparents adopt their grandchildren in Kentucky? The answer is yes, under certain circumstances.  If you want to become your grandchild’s...

There are approximately 1,774 children in Kentucky looking to be adopted. You could be the family they need. If you are considering single parent adoption, you may be wondering whether it is truly possible and what steps you need to take. The good news is that Kentucky law allows qualified individuals to adopt on their own. The bad news...

We have a keen interest in cases located in Warren County, Kentucky, as well as those in its vicinity. Can A Stepparent Adopt A Child? After getting married (or remarried) to someone with children, you may be wondering if you can adopt your stepchildren. Courts typically require proof of attempts to find the biological father. If reasonable efforts fail,...

Adopting a child is an incredibly meaningful experience, but it can also be quite challenging. If you’re in Kentucky looking to adopt, the process may seem intimidating at first. There are, after all, many legal requirements involved, not to mention all the paperwork. Consulting an experienced Adoption Attorney in Kentucky can help simplify the process and provide peace of...

In Kentucky, adoption is a significant legal process that involves both biological parents unless certain exceptions apply. Many wonder, Can you give a baby up for adoption without the father’s consent? In many cases, the father’s consent is necessary, but there are specific circumstances where his consent may not be required. Understanding Kentucky adoption law can help you navigate...

In short, yes. Same-sex couples can adopt children in Kentucky. That said, this has not always been so clear, and even today, LGBT couples may face challenges in expanding their families through adoption that heterosexual couples may not. The legal landscape of adoption laws and policies has undergone many changes over the years, leaving many prospective parents wondering what...

Adoption allows a couple to fulfill their lifetime dream of becoming parents. There are various benefits to adopting a child, including starting a family of your own and being able to provide a better life for a child. There are various types of adoption available, including agency adoption, relative adoption, guardian adoption, and stepparent adoption. Today, we go over...

Adoption is a lengthy and costly process. Private domestic adoptions in Kentucky can cost up to $50,000 on average and can take several years to finalize. Whether you are looking into a domestic adoption or an international one, the legal element can be confusing at best. Adoption attorneys and family lawyers can offer a great deal of support. Ultimately,...