Adoption of Children

If you want to become a parent through adoption, Adoption attorney Shelly Booth Cooley and The Cooley Law Firm can help. Shelly Booth Cooley is an Adoption (and ART) Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys. Shelly Booth Cooley and The Cooley Law Firm has extensive experience handling adoptions. It's important to work with an experienced, Nevada family law attorney like Shelly Booth Cooley to navigate the process effectively.

Baby lying on a patterned blanket with blue and pink whales, wearing a shirt saying "One of a Kind," playfully sticking out their tongue.

Confirmatory Adoption

Confirmatory adoption is an adoption in which a non-biological parent of a child, including, a stepparent, co-parent or second parent, adopts a child to confirm the parental rights of the non-biological parent. Confirmatory adoptions are sought as a "belt-and-suspenders" protection against non-recognition of presumed parentage, same-sex marriage, or parentage orders in other jurisdictions, domestic and international.

Fost-Adopt

Adopting children from foster care is a rewarding way to grow your family, while empowering children and teens in need to reach their full potential. When you choose to foster and adopt through Clark County Department of Family Services, you can build your family while helping children Find My Forever.

Agency Adoption

If you would like to adopt an infant, toddler or young child without fostering first, you will need to work directly with a Licensed Private Child Placing Adoption Agency and follow the Guide for Adoption in Nevada, offered by the State of Nevada.

An agency adoption may be the right choice for your family if you are able to afford the costs associated with becoming privately licensed for adoption. If you are considering working with a private agency, remember to discuss all costs associated with adoption, including fees related to medical bills, birth parent assistance, an out-of-state facilitator, and/or legal fees. It may be helpful to explore the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, Employer Assistance Programs at your place of work or Foundations or Organizations that provide grants and financial assistance.

Stepparent Adoption

In Nevada, a stepparent can adopt their spouse's child from a previous relationship.

Relative Adoption

Relative adoption in Nevada refers to the process of a family member adopting a child who is related to them by blood, marriage, or considered fictive kin. Relative adoption can provide stability and permanency for a child when their biological parents are unable to care for them.

Who can Adopt in Nevada?

  • People of any race
  • People of any religion or no religious preference
  • People who work outside the home
  • People who rent or people who own their own homes
  • People with high or low incomes
  • People with or without other children
  • People over age 21
  • Married or single people
  • Same-sex or Different-sex couples
  • Heterosexual or LGBTQ+ people

The Cooley Law Firm is committed to serving clients embarking on their adoption journey. For an empathetic Adoption attorney, please call today at +1(702) 254-4505.