Washington LGBTQ+ Adoption Attorney
Our founding attorney, Christina T. Sherman, understands that families in Washington come in all shapes and sizes. Our Fircrest law firm, Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, has helped many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples adopt. We have experience with all sorts of adoption, including stepparent, private placement, foster care and surrogacy.
We also understand that LGBTQ+ families have unique legal needs. With more than 20 years of experience, attorney Sherman can anticipate legal issues that might crop up and find legal solutions that facilitate a smooth adoption experience. As a fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), she is committed to upholding the highest ethical values in the practice of adoption and assisted reproductive technology (ART) law. Very few lawyers earn this recognition, and she is happy to use her knowledge of ART to help LGBTQ+ parents realize their dreams.
Washington Allows LGBTQ+ Parents To Adopt
Washington has one of the most liberal adoption laws in the country. Under RCW 26.33.140, any legally competent adult can become an adoptive parent. There are a few limitations. For example, there is no requirement that you be married to adopt. Single individuals may adopt a child, and even unmarried individuals may adopt a child jointly. Washington has recognized same-sex marriage since 2012.
In addition, there are also surrogacy and IVF options for adoptive parents. Our surrogacy lawyer also helps same-sex parents and LGBTQ+ families understand and assess all of their options for growing their families.
We Can Help With Stepparent Adoptions
Many of our LGBTQ+ clients wish to adopt their spouse’s child from a previous relationship in a stepparent adoption. Our firm can help with that. There can be certain complications that arise with stepparent adoptions and sometimes these adoptions are contested. A child can only have two legal parents, so the other biological parent must give up his or her parental rights. They might be eager to do that – or not. Some biological parents dig in their heels and refuse to sign away their rights. Our founding attorney is a tough advocate whenever it becomes necessary and will fight for your child’s best interests.
Discrimination Is Prohibited In Washington
Some LGBTQ+ clients are nervous about embarking on their adoption journey because they suspect child placement agencies will discriminate against them. We understand this concern. LGBTQ+ discrimination continues to exist in all places, including Washington, and our legal team is sensitive to this issue.
Nonetheless, Washington law prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ+ adults. Any Washington agency engaged in adoption must comply with state antidiscrimination laws, per Section 388-147-1595 of the Washington Administrative Code. The law specifically requires compliance with antidiscrimination policies related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
We have worked with many of the largest child placement agencies in Washington and can steer you in the right direction. Our firm upholds the state’s antidiscrimination law and expects all our partners in this field to do the same. While some religious-based placement agencies claim a constitutional right to discriminate, our experienced adoption lawyer can help you assess your options. In addition, if you are interested in foster care adoption options, there are extensive protections against discrimination. In fact, there are thousands of same-sex families raising a foster child in Washington.
Consult A Washington LGBTQ+ Adoption Attorney Today
Let’s discuss your situation. To schedule an initial consultation with our same-sex and LGBTQ+ adoption attorney, contact our office by sending us a message through our website. You can also reach out to us by calling our office at 253-466-2775.