Family Lawyers and Adoption

By Hampton Pigott Staff
Posted on 6-1-2025

It’s time to hire a lawyer. When most people hear the words “family lawyer,” their minds go straight to divorce, custody battles, or splitting assets. But here’s a feel-good fact you don’t hear enough: not all family law cases are about breaking up—some are about growing together.

At Hampton & Pigott, we love the moments where the legal system helps build families. One of the most rewarding parts of our job? Helping with adoptions. In this article we’ll discuss how a family lawyer can be your best ally on the journey to welcoming a new member into your family.

Adoption Is Beautiful… and Legally Complex

Adoption is a life-changing decision, filled with excitement, anticipation, and (let’s be honest) a mountain of paperwork. While it’s one of the most joyful types of legal work we do, it’s also one of the most intricate.

There are court procedures, background checks, home studies, consents, and—depending on the type of adoption—state and federal laws to navigate. That’s where a family lawyer comes in handy… very handy.

So, What Does a Family Lawyer Actually Do in an Adoption?

Glad you asked. Here’s how Hampton & Pigott can help:

Choosing the Right Path

There’s more than one way to adopt:

• Agency adoptions
• Private adoptions
• Relative or kinship adoptions
• Step-parent adoptions
• Foster-to-adopt

A family lawyer can walk you through each path and help you decide which one makes the most sense for your situation.

Navigating Paperwork & Legal Requirements

There’s no sugarcoating it—adoption paperwork is serious business. We’ll help you:

• Fill out and file forms correctly
• Meet court deadlines
• Ensure background checks and home studies are completed
• Secure parental consents when needed

Basically, we make sure no detail falls through the cracks—so you can focus on preparing your home (and heart) for your new addition.

Court Representation

In most adoptions, you’ll have to appear in court to finalize everything. Don’t worry—we won’t let you walk in alone. We’ll represent you in hearings, speak on your behalf, and help present your case with clarity and compassion.

Handling Surprises

Adoption can come with curveballs: a biological parent who changes their mind, unexpected delays, or a tricky legal requirement you didn’t anticipate. We’re here to smooth out the bumps and keep things moving forward.

Adoption Isn’t Just Paperwork—It’s a Promise

Yes, it’s a legal process. But more than that, adoption is a promise to love, nurture, and protect a child. It’s an emotional journey—sometimes long, always meaningful—and it deserves the care of someone who understands both the heart and the law.

At H&P, we’re honored to help families grow. Whether you're a step-parent looking to make your role official, or you're adopting through an agency or private connection, we’re here to support every step of the way.

So let’s shift the narrative. Family lawyers don’t just untangle relationships—we help build them too. If you're considering adoption and feeling overwhelmed by the legal side of things, reach out to Hampton & Pigott. We’ll handle the legal heavy lifting, so you can focus on the nursery paint colors, baby names, or just soaking in the beauty of what’s to come.