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Application received
Thank you — your application is with us.
Here is exactly what happens now, and what you should and should not do while you wait.
- 1Application
- 2Preliminary review
- 3Fee disclosure
- 4Engagement agreement
- 5Adoption services
What we do now
An attorney reads it. Not a form filter.
You will hear from us within 1 business day, whatever the answer. If we cannot help, you will hear that just as quickly as if we can.
Your document area opens once an attorney has reviewed your application. You will get a sign-in link by email — there is no password to set up.
Conflicts check
We check that acting for you would not conflict with anyone we already represent. In adoption this matters more than in most areas — we cannot act for both sides of a placement, and we will not try to.
Attorney review
An attorney reads your application against California law and works out which route applies and what it would involve.
Our written answer
One of three outcomes: more information needed, not a matter we can take, or cleared to proceed. You get it in writing, with reasons.
Fee disclosure and engagement terms
The written disclosure and the engagement agreement, to read in your own time. The $500 Initial Adoption Services Fee becomes payable only after that, and only if you decide to go ahead.
While you wait, it helps to
- Start gathering identity documents — birth certificates, marriage certificate, any divorce decrees.
- Look into home study providers in your county, if you do not already have one.
- Check whether your employer offers adoption reimbursement or paid adoption leave.
- Write down your questions as they occur to you.
Please do not, yet
- Email us medical records, financial statements or identity documents. Wait for the secure channel.
- Send money to anyone in connection with an adoption before taking legal advice.
- Sign anything an agency, facilitator or another party puts in front of you.
- Make commitments to an expectant parent about expenses.
If anyone asks you to pay to secure a child
No lawful adoption fee reserves, secures or holds a particular child, and no one can promise you a match in exchange for money. If you are asked for a payment framed that way — by anyone, including someone claiming to be from this firm — stop, do not pay, and call us on (213) 555-0140. We would far rather take that call than see you lose money.