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Harrisburg Adoption Attorneys

Strong Representation for All Types of Adoption

At Shaffer & Engle, we know that there is any number of reasons why people adopt. Backed by over 65 years’ combined experience, our lawyers also know how to effectively guide individuals through the complex legal process. In the state of Pennsylvania, almost anyone over the age of 18 can adopt, including a grandparent, stepparent, or any adult - whether they are single or married. If you want to adopt an individual into your family, we can help you with all your legal needs.

Our firm can help with any type of adoption case, including:

  • Grandparent adoption
  • Involuntary adoption
  • Stepparent adoption
  • Voluntary adoption
  • Interstate adoption
  • Agency adoption
  • Closed adoption
  • Open adoption

Expanding your family can be an exciting time. It can also be confusing and overwhelming, with a significant amount of paperwork and decision-making. Let our Harrisburg adoption attorneys guide you, answer your questions, and provide you with the effective guidance you deserve.

Call us today at (717) 268-4287 to set up a free consultation with our knowledgeable family law attorneys in Harrisburg.

Termination of Parental Rights in Adoption

Regardless of the type of adoption, one or both biological parents must terminate their parental rights. Termination of parental rights can be accomplished in multiple ways, assuming the parents have agreed to let you adopt their child. This may include attending a hearing where all parties communicate that they agree to the adoption. The other way involves signing a consent form which voluntarily relinquishes their rights. However, if the parents refuse to allow the adoption, there are steps that we can take to potentially have their rights involuntarily terminated.

Circumstances which may justify termination of parental rights include:

  • Proof of incarceration
  • Failure to file for custody
  • Failure to pay child support
  • Failure to attempt to visit the child
  • Untreated drug or alcohol addiction

Contact a Dauphin County Adoption Lawyer at (717) 268-4287

At Shaffer & Engle, we understand the many challenges that can arise during adoption. For example, one parent may contest having their parental rights terminated during the adoption process. You could also find that a mother changes their mind about giving up their baby after giving birth.

Whatever the situation may be, you can rely on us to thoroughly explain your obligations and your rights. We can help you navigate the adoption process and work through any potential problems. You can trust us to provide you with the strong representation you need.

Are you interested in discussing your options with a knowledgeable and caring adoption lawyer in Harrisburg? Call us today at (717) 268-4287 to make an appointment.

What Our
Clients Have to Say

  • Mr. Engle and his staff are extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and responsive.

    “I am a current client of Mr. Engle, handling both my divorce complaint and my child custody issues. Though the issues are complicated, Mr. Engle and his staff are extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and responsive. I never have to wonder if he received my note/email, as he always responds in a timely manner. I absolutely recommend Jeffrey B. Engle for legal services needed. Thanks!”

    Beth

  • You really did make a "federal case" of my situation!

    “Elisabeth, You are the best! I can't express how upset I was when I discovered that my builder committed fraud and lied to me about the quality and condition of my new house. It was a huge investment for me and he put me in a bad financial situation. I was cautiously hopeful when you told me you could help. When you got me a judgment for $130,000 plus- three times the amount of my damages- I was amazed! Thanks so much for all of your hard work and dedication. You really did make a "federal case" of my situation! With the money you won for me, I can finally enjoy my home. P.P.”

    P.P.

  • Mr. Engle was able to explain the laws in PA and got the job done in days.

    “I am an attorney in the state of Washington. I have a family law client who was in desperate need of legal assistance in PA. The case against him was affecting his ability to work. Mr. Engle contacted me as soon as my email was received and helped my client. Mr. Engle was able to explain the laws in PA and got the job done in days. I have never encountered another attorney as eager to help and get the job done. I would highly recommend Mr. Engle to anyone.”

    Pamela

  • Jeff provided us with clear advice and immediate responses to my multitude of questions and concerns.

    “Jeff provided us with clear advice and immediate responses to my multitude of questions and concerns. We are grateful our case is finally settled and would certainly recommend him.”

    Former Client

  • BEYOND AMAZING...

    “Elisabeth helped me through the most traumatic turning point in my life where I felt so alone and had no support except the fact that I needed to get through my disposition to ensure I would be able to continue to excel in my college studies and provide a better life for my young daughter who I am raising alone. Elisabeth provided me with encouraging words and any possible leads she had come across. I was amazed at how caring she was regarding matters outside of the actual case! After court, Thanks to Elisabeth, I was able to come home and continue to be a rock for my family. Since, I have recently ran out of funding 29 credits shy of my degree but still proud to finish the last semester with a 4.0 gpa making the Deans List five times still maintain work having also begun raising my orphaned seventeen year old god daughter who I came to know as one of the trouble kids at my local Boys & Girls Club where I was hired after completing the community service requirements in my case. I do not receive any financial help from government programs for my budding family but I begged for Elisabeth to take money for her exceptional service and she refused. I am forever grateful for her kindness and love each time that I look at my girls. She treated me like family and she didn't have to, she believed in me and encouraged me and stayed true to her word and I genuinely love and appreciate her for that beyond words. I trusted her with a long shot and she hit it out of the parking lot! Like my title says BEYOND AMAZING...”

    Jaimeen A.