Growing Your Family Through Adoption
Adoption can be a complex process, after all it is the process by which a legal and permanent parent-child relationship is created through a court proceeding. Some complexities may include: termination of parental rights proceeding, contractual agreements, or filing a notice on the Minnesota Fathers’ Adoption registry that allows biological fathers to receive notice of pending adoption proceedings involving their biological children.
Our adoption attorneys can assist in a consultative role by explaining the overall process, identifying and collaborating with adoption agencies, or answering your questions throughout the process. They can also be engaged to draft and file paperwork and represent you in court, especially when it comes time to finalize the adoption.
Additionally, we can also assist or advise on important steps following adoption such as applying for various INS documents in the case of an international adoption, which become important when the adopted person applies for a passport or driver’s license.
- The person being adopted, whether they are a minor or an adult, becomes the legal child of the adopting parent. The adopting parent becomes the legal parent of the person being adopted, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with being a legal parent.
- As a result of the adoption, the adoptee (the person being adopted) will have the same right to inherit from the adoptive parent(s) as a birth child.
- The adoption can end the parent-child relationship between the adoptee and one or both of their birth parents. If the petitioner is a stepparent, the legal relationship between the biological parent and the adult adoptee will not be affected, so long as the biological parent is included as a co-petitioner.
- The adoption can end the sibling relationship between the adoptee and their biological siblings, unless otherwise stated in the court order.
The legally adopted child has the same right to inherit from the adoptive parent(s) as a birth child, making it critical to reflect this right and your preferences within your estate planning documents.
- Update your Will or Trust
- Update Beneficiary Designations
- Create emergency documents such as:
- medical power of attorney
- nomination of guardian
- nomination of temporary guardian
- health care information related to adopted child
- instructions to caregiver and/or guardian in case of emergency
Consult with our Estate & Trusts practice attorney to learn more about how to affirm the adoption of your child in your estate plans and what documents you might consider to provide for them and care for them in the case of an emergency.
Fees & Billing
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Alexis N. Rohach
Attorney
ADMITTED TO PRACTICE 2017 Minnesota 2019 North Dakota EDUCATION J.D., University of St. Thomas School of Law, Minneapolis, MN B.S., Finance, North Dakota State University, ND EXPERIENCE Associate Attorney; Baker Vicchiollo Law; present Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Mary Yunker; 2018-2019 Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Sheridan Hawley; 2017-2018 Certified Student Attorney; Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office Legal Extern; Hennepin County Defender’s Office PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS National Moot Court – Civil Rights; University of St. Thomas School of Law

Jolene D. Baker Vicchiollo
Principal Attorney & Founder
Jolene is the founder and principal attorney at the law firm of Baker Vicchiollo Law located in Edina Minnesota, representing individuals and families in matters of divorce, child support, custody, property division, nonmarital claims, and parenting time, as well as estate planning, nuptial agreements, adoption, paternity, and grandparent rights. Admitted to practice in Minnesota since 1999, and in private practice for the past 23 years, Jolene has extensive experience in district courts throughout metropolitan counties, establishing a highly regarded practice in litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and collaborative divorce.
Jolene teaches family law as a member of the adjunct faculty at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis.
Growing Your Family Through Adoption
Adoption can be a complex process, after all it is the process by which a legal and permanent parent-child relationship is created through a court proceeding. Some complexities may include: termination of parental rights proceeding, contractual agreements, or filing a notice on the Minnesota Fathers’ Adoption registry that allows biological fathers to receive notice of pending adoption proceedings involving their biological children.
Our adoption attorneys can assist in a consultative role by explaining the overall process, identifying and collaborating with adoption agencies, or answering your questions throughout the process. They can also be engaged to draft and file paperwork and represent you in court, especially when it comes time to finalize the adoption.
Additionally, we can also assist or advise on important steps following adoption such as applying for various INS documents in the case of an international adoption, which become important when the adopted person applies for a passport or driver’s license.

Service Options
Adoption Documents & Proceedings
Adoption Documents & Proceedings
Learn MoreUncontested Stepparent Adoption
Uncontested Stepparent Adoption
Learn MoreContested Stepparent Adoption
Contested Stepparent Adoption
Learn MoreAdult Adoption
ADULT ADOPTION
Learn MoreRecognition of Parentage
Recognition of Parentage
Learn MoreMinnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry (MFAR)
Minnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry (MFAR)
Learn MoreName Change (Minor)
Name Change (Minor)
Learn MoreName Change (Adult)
Name Change (Adult)
Learn MoreAdoption Information
Fees & Billing
Alexis N. Rohach
ADMITTED TO PRACTICE 2017 Minnesota 2019 North Dakota EDUCATION J.D., University of St. Thomas School of Law, Minneapolis, MN B.S., Finance, North Dakota State University, ND EXPERIENCE Associate Attorney; Baker Vicchiollo Law; present Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Mary Yunker; 2018-2019 Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Sheridan Hawley; 2017-2018 Certified Student Attorney; Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office Legal Extern; Hennepin County Defender’s Office PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS National Moot Court – Civil Rights; University of St. Thomas School of Law
JOLENE D. BAKER VICCHIOLLO
Jolene is the founder and principal attorney at the law firm of Baker Vicchiollo Law located in Edina Minnesota, representing individuals and families in matters of divorce, child support, custody, property division, nonmarital claims, and parenting time, as well as estate planning, nuptial agreements, adoption, paternity, and grandparent rights. Admitted to practice in Minnesota since 1999, and in private practice for the past 23 years, Jolene has extensive experience in district courts throughout metropolitan counties, establishing a highly regarded practice in litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and collaborative divorce.
Jolene teaches family law as a member of the adjunct faculty at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis.
More About Us
- The person being adopted, whether they are a minor or an adult, becomes the legal child of the adopting parent. The adopting parent becomes the legal parent of the person being adopted, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with being a legal parent.
- As a result of the adoption, the adoptee (the person being adopted) will have the same right to inherit from the adoptive parent(s) as a birth child.
- The adoption can end the parent-child relationship between the adoptee and one or both of their birth parents. If the petitioner is a stepparent, the legal relationship between the biological parent and the adult adoptee will not be affected, so long as the biological parent is included as a co-petitioner.
- The adoption can end the sibling relationship between the adoptee and their biological siblings, unless otherwise stated in the court order.
The legally adopted child has the same right to inherit from the adoptive parent(s) as a birth child, making it critical to reflect this right and your preferences within your estate planning documents.
- Update your Will or Trust
- Update Beneficiary Designations
- Create emergency documents such as:
- medical power of attorney
- nomination of guardian
- nomination of temporary guardian
- health care information related to adopted child
- instructions to caregiver and/or guardian in case of emergency
Consult with our Estate & Trusts practice attorney to learn more about how to affirm the adoption of your child in your estate plans and what documents you might consider to provide for them and care for them in the case of an emergency.