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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 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

  • Outcome of the case was the best possible under the circumstances.

    “Very professional and upfront. Reviewed the facts of my case with me in a realistic manner and gave me excellent advice. Did not push hiring the firm on me but let me know exactly what I needed to do if I chose to have her firm represent me. Outcome of the case was the best possible under the circumstances. Well done and thank you!”

    TP

  • Jeff presents himself as a very knowledgeable and able attorney with sincere personal interest in the success of your case.

    “From the minute you call Jeff Engle's office, you are treated with first class respect and service. Jeff is very up front about his experience, results and belief in the success or possible issues with your case. From the time of retainment, Jeff's use of electronic forms of communication keep you up to date to the minute whenever there are developments and progress in your case. This type of communication is nearly unheard of in ANY profession. Many times, I knew that Jeff was taking his personal time to communicate with me. Jeff presents himself as a very knowledgeable and able attorney with sincere personal interest in the success of your case. During times of uncertainty, having someone of Jeff's demeanor at your side will simply make you feel that no matter what the outcome may be, he is right there with you. There was not one time during the course of my case that I felt Jeff was not thoughtful and prepared for. I cannot say enough for the level of professionalism this man presents while representing you as a client.”

    Kevin

  • We recommend Shaffer & Engle to everyone and anyone, even if you are unsure if you have a case.

    “Our experience with Shaffer & Engle was beyond our expectations. Elisabeth is absolutely an amazing attorney! We were expecting to get about a 50% reduction in our case, but she surpassed that and got BOTH of the traffic tickets completely thrown out! Saving us from a driver's license suspension of up to 18 months long! She's spectacular! We recommend Shaffer & Engle to everyone and anyone, even if you are unsure if you have a case. Just ask them, they will explain all of your options and in plain English so that it makes sense to you! Elisabeth is unlike any attorney we have ever met. Very open, honest and down-to- earth......she speaks her mind freely and loudly! It gave us a more comfortable feeling having her represent us and our case! Again, Thank you so much Elisabeth, we greatly appreciate all you did for us! We will call Shaffer & Engle first for all of our future legal matters!”

    Katie & Derrick

  • They handled everything beautifully and were able to minimize our anxiety throughout a difficult process.

    “Jeff is the fourth attorney that I have worked with regarding custody of my son. My previous attorneys were neither knowledgeable of the law as it applied to my case nor followed through on the actions they said they would take. Not only did Jeff know what he was doing, but he did everything that he said he would in a timely fashion. Given that my case involved an international relocation, allocation of sole custody for residency purposes abroad, and a non-custodial parent who was anything but cooperative, there was a high likelihood that my case would be unsuccessful with even the potential of being ordered to return to the US to maintain physical custody of my son. Today my child and I are happily living abroad and I was able to obtain the residency permit for my son to remain here. I attribute the success of my case to Jeff and his firm. They handled everything beautifully and were able to minimize our anxiety throughout a difficult process. Thank you!”

    Former Client

  • Not only did Jeff know what he was doing, but he did everything that he said he would in a timely fashion.

    “Jeff is is fourth attorney that I have worked with regarding custody of my son. My previous attorneys were neither knowledgeable of the law as it applied to my case nor followed through on the actions they said they would take. Not only did Jeff know what he was doing, but he did everything that he said he would in a timely fashion. Given that my case involved an international relocation, allocation of sole custody for residency purposes...”

    Anonymous