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Helping People Move Forward

ADOPTION LAW

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.

Its official. Now what?

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.

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Legal Fees & Costs

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More About Us

Baker Vicchiollo Law

Helping People Move Forward

Family Law

Divorce, Parenting & Support

Estate & Trusts

Planning, Probate & Administration

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.

Adoption

Service Options

Adoption Documents & Proceedings

Adoption Documents & Proceedings

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Uncontested Stepparent Adoption

Uncontested Stepparent Adoption

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Contested Stepparent Adoption

Contested Stepparent Adoption

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Adult Adoption

ADULT ADOPTION

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Recognition of Parentage

Recognition of Parentage

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Minnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry (MFAR)

Minnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry (MFAR)

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Name Change (Minor)

Name Change (Minor)

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Name Change (Adult)

Name Change (Adult)

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Adoption Information

Fees & Billing

Legal Fees & Costs

Payment & Financing

Retainer & Billing

Alexis N. Rohach

 

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

Baker Vicchiollo Law

Helping People Move Forward

Family Law

Divorce, Parenting & Support

Estate & Trusts

Planning, Probate & Administration

  • 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.

Its official. Now what?

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.

Inquire or schedule consultation

BVL Honors & Affiliations

Adoption Documents & Proceedings

MN law requires that adoptions be filed in court so that the best interests of the child can be protected.  Our attorney will facilitate the legal proceeding including obtaining records, drafting documents as required by the type of adoption proceeding, filing documents with the court, and represent Petitioner in Court.

Uncontested Stepparent Adoption

Services to facilitate the process and legal proceeding of adoption including obtaining consent form when the other biological parent agrees to terminate their parental right.

Contested Stepparent Adoption

Services include Petition for Termination of Parental Rights Pending Stepparent Adoption when petitioner is not able to find the other biological parent or they are not willing to consent to their rights being terminated. May require other necessary steps such as depositions, interrogatories, and requests for production of documents.

Adult Adoption

Obtaining adult adoptee consent to the adoption, file adoption matter with the court, obtain records, petition court, draft proposed adoption decree, and attend a court hearing with the petitioner and adoptee.

Recognition of Parentage

An official Minnesota state form that can be used to establish the legal relationship between a father and his child when the child’s parents are not married. If two parents sign a Recognition of Parentage, a paternity case is not required. Resolving disputes related to custody, parenting time, and child support can be addressed by opening a custody case, if necessary.

Minnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry (MFAR)

The Minnesota Fathers’ Adoption Registry (MFAR) is for fathers who:

  • Were not married to the mother of their presumed child when the child was born, and
  • Have not asked a court to name them as the child’s legal father, or
  • Have not signed a Recognition of Parentage form with the child’s mother, and
  • Want to know if their presumed child is in the adoption process
  • Before an adoption becomes final in Minnesota, the law requires a search of MFAR. The purpose of the MFAR search is to find out if a putative father has registered.

Name Change (Minor)

Court filing, document drafting, process service including Notice of Application for Name Change and Notice of Hearing (or publish notice of hearing if unable to locate non-applicant parent, and represent petitioner in court.)

Name Change (Adult)