How it works
From first call to final order
Six steps most families follow, whatever their path. Who does what at each one, what can change the pace, and what we never do.
The six steps
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1
A free 20-minute call
We listen, ask a few questions and tell you whether we can help. No charge and no pressure.
- You
- Tell us about your family and what you are hoping for.
- Us
- Name the path that fits and what California asks of you.
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2
A planning consultation
An hour with an attorney to map your path, step by step. The $250 fee is credited to your flat fee if you hire us.
- You
- Bring any agency, clinic or court papers you already have.
- Us
- Explain the documents, the court steps and any other state involved.
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3
Your plan, in writing
A short plan letter with the steps, who does what, and your flat fee or budget estimate. You decide with no deadline.
- You
- Read it, ask anything, sign only when you are ready.
- Us
- Answer questions and make changes until it reads clearly.
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4
Agreements and filings
We draft, review and negotiate with the other side's lawyer when there is one, then file with the court.
- You
- Review drafts and sign when they match what you agreed.
- Us
- Do the drafting, the filing and the follow-up calls.
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5
Court and the final order
Some matters need a short hearing. Others are decided on paper. We prepare you for either one.
- You
- Show up, in person or by video. Bring whoever you like.
- Us
- Prepare you the day before and stand with you.
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6
After the order
New birth certificates, passports, school and medical records, wills and guardianship choices. You get a checklist.
- You
- Work through the checklist at your own pace.
- Us
- Send certified copies and answer the questions that come up.
About timing
What can change the pace
No lawyer can promise an outcome or a date. Courts, agencies, clinics and other states all move at their own pace. We tell you what we know, when we know it.
- The court's calendar
- Home study scheduling
- Another state's approval
- A party who is hard to reach
- Medical timing
- Records from a clinic or agency
- Another country's paperwork
Who does what
We do
- Explain California's rules and say when another place's rules matter
- Draft, review and negotiate agreements
- Prepare and file court papers
- Work with your agency, clinic or home study provider
- Bring in licensed local counsel elsewhere when needed
- Stand with you at hearings, in person or by video
We never
- Find or match children, birth parents, surrogates or donors
- Arrange or pay for placements
- Represent both sides of one agreement
- Promise an outcome or a date
Licensed agencies and clinics handle matching. We handle the law.
Step two, up close
The planning consultation
One hour with the attorney who would handle your matter, at our Oakland office or by video. Bring anything you already have: agency papers, clinic consents, a draft agreement, a court notice.
- Your path, step by step, in order
- Which documents you need and who signs them
- Whether another state or country is involved
- Your flat fee or budget estimate, in writing afterward
$250, credited in full to your flat fee if you hire us. See fees
Free 20-minute call
Let's make your family legally whole.
Start with a free 20-minute call. You will leave it knowing which path fits, what California asks of you, and what a flat fee usually looks like. No pressure and no promises we can't keep.
Prefer to text? (510) 555-0163. Dee replies within one business day.