FAQs Archive - Myers Strickland Arizona Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorney

Q: 8. How does Arizona law deal with a birth father’s rights?

If the father is not married to the mother, Arizona law requires that he be served with a Potential Father Notice. This notice advises him that the mother has made an adoption plan and requires him to file a paternity action within 30 days if he has an objection. If he does not file the lawsuit within the time limit, his consent to the adoption is not required.

Q: 5. Does your office search for expectant parents?

We welcome expectant parents who are looking to make an adoption placement to contact our office. However, we do not look for expectant parents to match up with adoptive parents.

Q: 4. Does your office represent adoptive parents from states other than Arizona?

If there is legal work to be completed on behalf of adoptive parents in Arizona, we can represent you no matter where you live.

Q: 1. What do we need to do to adopt in Arizona?

The first choice is to determine whether you want to work with an adoption agency or do a direct placement adoption with the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney. Whichever choice you make, you must be certified by the court as acceptable to adopt before a petition to adopt can be filed. You must also be certified before an attorney can present you to an expectant parent seeking an adoptive placement for their child. You must also be certified to bring a child born outside of Arizona into this state for the purpose of adoption.

Q: 4. What is a Pre-birth or Parentage Order?

The goal is to have the intended parents’ names on the baby’s birth certificate shortly after the child’s birth. We do this by obtaining a court order determining the parentage of the child. While every effort is made to obtain a parentage order pre-birth, there are some issues that may arise which may prevent an order from being entered prior to the child’s birth. It is important to be aware of all possible outcomes and the options available to you.