Advances in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) have made something possible that, not long ago, would have seemed unimaginable.
At the core of every adoption or ART arrangement is the law. Legal agreements establish expectations, define parental rights, and create enforceable protections for everyone involved.
Unlike some areas of law that are governed federally, family building through adoption and assisted reproductive technology is primarily regulated at the state level.
It was an Honor to Help Veterans at the Maricopa County StandDown. For those who are unfamiliar or for any veterans who need assistance, here is more information. Hoping to see you there in 2026!
Adoptions come in all shapes and sizes. No matter if this is private, agency, stepparent, second parent (LGBTQ+), Department of Child Safety (State), kinship, foster parent or foster care, Interstate Compact on the Placement of Child (ICPC), international or domestic, surrogacy-based, or open or closed adoption – our office handles them similarly.
Termination of parental rights (TPR) is a legal process that severs the legal relationship between a parent and their child, thereby freeing the child for adoption. In Arizona, as in many states, TPR is a significant legal proceeding governed by strict guidelines designed to protect the best interests of the child.
In January 2022, 10 Arizona Legal Paraprofessionals (“LP”) were licensed by the Supreme Court to represent parties in court in place of an attorney. Since then a few more have been appointed. LPs are comparable to an attorney as a nurse practitioner is to a doctor.
This article is designed to explain the role of a Judge Pro Tempore “JPT” and to identify how it differs from a permanent judge. It is an important distinction for accuracy and understanding of private practice and governmental service.
The following individuals were granted an LP license to practice in the endorsement area of Family Law and Chelsea Woodworth is soon to become the first LP with a dual license having recently passed the Civil Law Endorsement exam.
There are times when a second parent must adopt to obtain legal rights of their own child.
A question that is often asked is about the cost of adoption. Adoptions range from no expenses to $100,000s. Seems extreme, right?
ICWA has a number of protections, but they can be summed up with two words: participation and difficulty.
The Central Registry is a state-wide database listing who has substantiated reports of abuse or neglect to a child or vulnerable adult. This does not include mere investigations or unsubstantiated allegations.
In our firm’s experience, Arizona DCS has allowed increased Indian tribal participation in child welfare cases (dependency, severance, termination, adoption). Our firm has observed, in several cases, that Arizona seems to allow even greater tribal participation than federal law would require.
ICWA affords opportunities for an Indian child’s family and tribe to participate in any DCS case involving an “Indian child.”
Lewis Labadie’s participation in the Arizona Legal Paraprofessional program was highlighted in this article by the Arizona Capital Times.
Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do in court and the common sense that is often discarded when it comes to going to court.
In most adoptions, the prospective adoptive parent has the option to keep the adoption open. An open adoption allows communication after the adoption.
The Adoption Subsidy Program is available to children with special needs.
The adoption process is faster than most court cases…
Foster parents do not require formal certification to adopt a foster child, as their licensing meets this requirement.
Legal Separation will divide all of the assets and debts, and award legal decision-making (custody), parenting time, child support and/or spousal maintenance.
There are various types of entities depending on whether you have other members or partners in your company. You will either incorporate for a corporation or organize for an LLC.
Divorce is the legal process of dissolving your marriage. It is also typically referred to as a dissolution of marriage action.
