Honolulu Adoption Attorneys Growing Your ‘Ohana

Coates Frey & Hackett, AAL LLLC, lawyers understand the importance of family. We treat our clients like family and make ourselves available to ensure they can obtain and maintain the best family life possible. Our lawyers are especially passionate about cases that allow us to expand your family, such as adoption.

Types of adoption we can help with include:

• Adult adoption
• Stepparent adoption
• Grandparent adoption

No matter the circumstances, our attorneys can help you navigate the specific adoption paperwork and procedures pertinent to your case so you can welcome new members into your family.

We are available to help families in Oahu and neighboring islands through a variety of child-related issues, including the adoption process. Contact us today to get started: 808-379-3538. Whether you are starting to consider adoption or are already in the process, we have compiled commonly asked questions in our FAQ section to provide you with the information you need.

What does an adoption lawyer do?

An adoption attorney is present to facilitate the adoption process from beginning to end.
Our lawyers will help you by:

• Filing all necessary paperwork
• Representing you in adoption hearings
• Understanding Hawaiian adoption laws and how they affect your case
• Answering your questions and concerns

We are fluent in our state’s adoption laws and processes. We are prepared to be your resource with any worries along the way and guide you through the paperwork easily and efficiently.

Call our lawyers for more information about adopting in Honolulu: 808-379-3538.

What are the adoption requirements in Hawaii?

To successfully adopt a child in Hawaii, the Family Court must offer its approval.

Qualifications that they look for in potential adoptive parents include:

• Either a single unmarried person or a married couple where both spouses are legally adopting the child. Alternatively, the adopter could be married to the birth parent of the adoptee as in stepchildren adoptions
• Ability to provide a beneficial transition and living situation for the child
• All necessary consents for the child allowing them to be adopted

Our adoption attorneys will be able to better assess your situation during your complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss the type of adoption you’re pursuing and provide relevant consultation and legal representation as we move forward.

Is there a home study requirement for adoption in Hawaii?

The first step in the adoption process in Hawaii is meeting the home study requirements. The home study will help the court assess:

• Whether your living conditions are suitable
• If your home aligns with the child’s best interests
• Your readiness and ability to provide for the child

The adoption department will conduct a background check, assessing aspects such as child abuse history, neglect, financial stability, home safety and criminal records. They will also conduct interviews with all household members.

If you or anyone living in your home has a criminal history that poses a risk to the child, your adoption application may be denied.

What is the difference between consent and nonconsent adoption in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, there are two primary types of adoptions:

• Consent adoptions: This occurs when the birth parents voluntarily relinquish their rights by signing legal documents. If the child is ten years old or older, they must also give their consent. However, there are other requirements an aspiring adoptive parent must meet. For example, if you have been living with the child for more than one year and the child’s biological parents haven’t been in touch in a year after giving their child up for adoption, you can likely adopt the child.
• Nonconsent adoptions: This happens when a parent has not contacted the child for over a year or cannot be located. Legal notice of the adoption is sent to the nonconsenting parent, followed by a newspaper publication within four weeks.

You should work with an adoption lawyer to help you understand your available options and make sure that your interests – and the interests of the child in question – are properly protected.

Let Us Help Your Family Grow

Individuals who are considering adoption should contact our lawyers for experienced professionals who are familiar with the process on every Hawaiian Island. Call us at 808-379-3538 to schedule your initial consultation today.