O’Brian & Associates
Contact Us Today! 425.629.0060

Dedicated to Helping Families Grow

Adoption Lawyer

Nothing is more important than family, and we provide the legal guidance you need to ensure your adoption process is as seamless as possible.

Begin with a Consultation

Adoption Attorney

Dedicated to Turning Parental Dreams Into Realities – (425) 629-0060

At O’Brian & Associates, we are passionate about providing trusted legal assistance for people who wish to grow or a start a family. While the adoption process can be complex and time-consuming, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever go through. When you work with our firm, we will get to know you on a personal level, and obtain a complete understanding of your unique situation. We will educate you on the adoption process, go over all of your options, and provide you with the counsel you need to make well-informed decisions. Whether you are seeking a stepparent, grandparent, independent, or other type of adoption, we can provide the supportive legal guidance you need to ensure your process goes as smoothly as possible. Call (425) 629-0060 today to learn more!

Types of Adoptions

When it comes to adopting a child, there are many options, and it is important to be aware of all your options before making a final decision. Our firm can educate and help you determine which option is the best one for you and your family.

  • Adult Adoption
  • Independent Adoption
  • International Adoption
  • Relative / Kinship Adoption
  • Same Sex Adoption
  • Stepparent Adoption

You May Be Wondering...

  • Questions

  • What requirements must I meet to adopt?

    Answer

    There is an extensive application process and a number of requirements that must be met to adopt. For example, you must be at least 18 years of age. While you do not have to own a home, you must have adequate space available for a child, and you must be able to meet your household needs.

  • How long does the adoption process take?

    Answer

    The adoption process consists of two different stages, preplacement and postplacement. All adoptions have a preplacement waiting period, which will vary based on the type of child being adopted. While a U.S. domestic adoption typically takes about 12 months, the adoption of a healthy infant could take between 2 and 7 years. Postplacement occurs after the child has been placed in his or her new home, and consists of an agency supervising your family for a legally-mandated amount of time before finalization occurs.

  • Are adoption and guardianship different?

    Answer

    An adoptive parent assumes the legal rights and responsibilities for a child, which are the same rights and responsibilities held for parents of children who are born to them. A guardian assumes responsibility for a child only until the time he or she turns 18, is not classified as the child’s legal parent, and does not assume all legal rights and responsibilities of the child.

  • How do I know which type of adoption is best for me?

    Answer

    Every family is different, and has unique needs and goals. Each family is looking for the adoption process that will best suit their specific lifestyle. When you work with our firm, we will get an understanding of your goals, observe your home life, evaluate your unique needs, and determine the process that is best for your situation.

  • Susan Millican O'Brian J.D.

    CEO of O'Brian & Associates

    Susan Millican O'Brian is the founder of the O'Brian & Associates, where she exclusively practices family law. As the managing officer of the corporation, she not only oversees the running of our firm, she also works closely with each of our associate attorneys, meeting bi-weekly to strategize. Together, we bring our combined total of 60+ years of experience of practicing law to every case we handle and help our clients achieve the best possible results.

    Attorney O'Brian has represented clients in many dissolution cases involving significant property interests, including but not limited to the valuation and disposition of retirement, pension, employment benefits and stock option/stock awards. She also assists clients with spousal maintenance, parenting and child support matters.

    Our office is committed to our clients and Attorney O'Brian listens to their concerns and goals. She has developed an effective style of paying meticulous attention to detail, and delivering unwavering advocacy on behalf of our clients. She has a dedication to professionalism that is recognized by our clients, court, and the opposition.

  • Lisa H. Do J.D.

    Attorney

    Lisa H. Do is dedicated to helping people navigate through what can be a complex legal system, while also fighting for the best outcome for her clients and their families. Lisa first became interested in family law while performing volunteer work at community centers for children. She met numerous parents dealing with not only the emotional distress of a divorce, but also trying to understand the legal system. Her interest and desire to help these parents propelled her to go to law school and to eventually practice family law.

    Lisa is acutely aware of the significant impact any legal proceeding can have on a family. Her top priorities are always to obtain the results clients desire, and to ensure they understand how their lives will be affected, both from a legal and personal context. Multi-talented, Attorney Do can serve as an aggressive advocate or a cooperative opposing counsel, depending upon the particular circumstances of the case. She is an experienced litigator who is also well equipped to resolve cases in the most advantageous manner for the client.

  • Kathryn F. Peterson

    Attorney

    During law school, Kathryn Peterson was a judicial extern to Federal District Judge Thomas J. Whelan, served on the "San Diego Law Review," was a contributing editor to the "Journal of Contemporary Legal Issues," and was a member of USD's National Moot Court Tax Team. She is admitted to both the Washington and California State Bars. She is also admitted to the United States District Court for the Southern and Central Districts of California.

    Following law school, Kathryn clerked for the Honorable Louisa S. Porter in the United States District Court in San Diego, California. After completing her clerkship, Kathryn practiced complex commercial litigation for several years before serving on the Board of Directors for International Microcomputer Software, Inc. In 2007, Kathryn joining The Walt Disney Company/ABC as Counsel, Legal Affairs.

    In 2012, Kathryn founded her own family law firm in San Diego and was active in the Honorable Fiorenzo V. Lopardo Inn of Court. In 2015, together with her husband and three dogs, she moved from San Diego to Seattle where Kathryn continues to focus her practice on family law. She is particularly passionate about her volunteer work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate ("CASA") for dependent children in King County, WA.

  • Marcia L. Fisher J.D.

    Attorney

    Marcia Fisher began practicing law in Virginia and, in 1994, moved back to her home state of Washington and started practicing law here. She is an accomplished litigator who determines and implements effective strategies for clients during all phases of a case. During her past 26 years of practice, she has represented parties in all areas of family law. She has also served as a guardian ad litem for children and incapacitated individuals, and has experience communicating with individuals from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. With mediation training, she is also an accomplished negotiator.

    Marcia has participated in multi-week trials; evidentiary hearings regarding the admission of expert testimony, the enforceability of a postnuptial agreement, litigated challenges to a CR2A Agreement, and argued motions in limine. She has also examined over 200 trial exhibits in a case revealing the opposing party falsified documents effectively presented direct evidence and illustrative documents of complex financial transactions, and made numerous appearances before Family Law Commissioners and Judges in both King and Snohomish County.

Learn About the Difference

O'Brian & Associates Can Make in Your Family Law Case

  • Our Founder Is in The National Advocates: Top 100 Lawyers List

  • Team of Attorneys with at Least 10 Years of Experience Each

  • Cutting-Edge Office & Communications Technology

  • Our Counsel Is Customized to Fit Every Client's Unique Needs

  • Attention to Detail, Accessibility & Responsive Service

Tell Us About Your Case

Our Client Testimonials

Your Case is in Good Hands

  • “The result of their hard work was very favorable for my daughter and I. I am so thankful to this team and the changes they were able to make for my life and my family. Everyone associated with this office has always gone above and beyond what I expected.”

    N.M.

  • “Susan and her firm have stood by me and my family throughout my custody hearing. Their support has been extremely reassuring in this unbearable situation.”

    J.P.

  • “This office treated me extremely well throughout my case. I had a very difficult and emotionally charged divorce and their team was with me and my children every step of the way. I always felt that I had a strong advocate on my side. ”

    V.V.

  • “I very much appreciate all of your hard work and help seeing me through the process. It really made a big difference having you both in my corner.”

    K & D.T.

  • “Thank you for all of your support hard work and kindness over the past 10 months. You made me feel as if I were your only client.”

    W.T.

Contact Our Firm

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