North Carolina Adoption Lawyer
Adoption done right. We guide families across North Carolina through step-parent, relative, private, agency/DSS, and international re-adoption—handling consents, TPR, ICPC, and final decrees—so schools, doctors, and Vital Records can rely on clean orders.
Your North Carolina Adoption Lawyer
Krispen Culbertson has practiced family law for 20+ years in District Courts across North Carolina, including Guilford, Forsyth, Randolph, and Alamance—handling step-parent, relative/kinship, private/independent, agency/DSS, and international re-adoption matters.
Focus areas: consents and TPR, ICPC for interstate placements, pre-placement assessments (home studies), post-placement supervision, final decrees, amended birth certificates, and confidentiality of records.
Start by situation
Fast answers
Home study / pre-placement assessment: required in many NC adoptions; we coordinate a compliant assessment and post-placement visits.
Consents & revocation: NC law sets a short, statute-defined revocation window; we ensure the form, timing, and service are correct.
TPR when needed: we file or respond to Termination of Parental Rights with proper notice, evidence, and best-interest findings.
International cases: we handle re-adoption/recognition so NC agencies accept your order and birth certificate.
ICPC: for interstate placements, we prepare the packet so placement is lawful and timely.
After the decree: we secure amended birth certificates, Social Security updates, and school/insurance records.
Helpful links: NC Child Custody • NC Paternity & Parentage • NC Child Support
Types of adoptions we handle in North Carolina
- Step-parent adoption: streamline when consents are available; address TPR if needed.
- Relative/kinship adoption: grandparents, aunts/uncles, and other relatives—often paired with prior guardianship/custody orders.
- Private/independent adoption: consents, counseling, lawful expenses, and compliance with NC adoption statutes.
- Agency/DSS adoption: collaborate with agencies on consents, TPR, and post-placement supervision.
- International re-adoption/recognition: confirm status, obtain NC decree, and secure a state birth record for everyday use.
- Adult adoption: consent-based path to formalize long-standing family relationships.
North Carolina adoption process (what to expect)
- Eligibility & venue check
- Pre-placement assessment (home study) when required
- Consents and/or TPR; putative father notice where applicable
- ICPC for interstate placements; ICWA caution when relevant
- Placement, post-placement supervision, and reports
- Final hearing & decree; amended birth certificate and record updates
Consents, revocation, and TPR
We prepare legally sufficient consents, track statutory revocation periods, and pursue/defend TPR when required. Proper notice and evidence are critical; we assemble a clean record to support best-interest findings at the decree stage.
ICPC & interstate coordination
Interstate placements require an ICPC packet before a child crosses state lines. We build compliant submissions and coordinate with sending/receiving states so your placement remains lawful and on schedule.
Name change, amended birth certificate, and records
After the decree, we obtain an amended birth certificate, update the child’s legal name if requested, and notify schools, doctors, insurers, and Social Security so all records match your order.
Costs and timeline
- Costs: depend on the adoption type (step-parent/relative vs. private/agency/international), home study needs, and court requirements. You get a clear written fee plan at consult.
- Timeline: driven by assessment schedules, consents/TPR, and court calendars. We file and coordinate quickly to minimize delays.
Common mistakes that slow adoptions
- Moving a child across state lines without a completed ICPC packet
- Using consent forms that don’t meet NC requirements or missing notarization
- Skipping a required pre-placement assessment
- Not aligning the decree with Vital Records’ requirements for the birth record
What to bring and your first 72 hours
Documents that help
- IDs, prior court orders/guardianship papers, and any existing consents
- Agency/DSS letters, placement agreements, or ICPC contacts
- Home study/pre-placement assessment (if completed) and post-placement reports
- Immigration/foreign decree documents for international cases
Your first 72 hours with our team
Strategy & eligibility: confirm type, venue, and dependency/TPR posture.
Assessments: order/verify home study; set post-placement schedule.
Consents & TPR: prepare compliant forms; calendar hearings as needed.
Records: draft decree language; plan amended birth certificate and notices.
FAQs
Do I need a home study for a step-parent adoption?
How long is the revocation period for consent?
Can we finalize if a biological parent won’t consent?
What is ICPC and when does it apply?
Do we need to re-adopt after an international adoption?
How soon can we get an amended birth certificate?
Why North Carolina families choose Culbertson & Associates
- 20+ years handling step-parent, relative, private, agency/DSS, and international adoption
- District Court experience across NC; clear filings and clean decrees Vital Records can follow
- Full ICPC coordination for interstate placements
- Decree language that supports school, medical, insurance, and SSA updates
- Transparent fees and timelines
Client reviews
“Professional, kind, and efficient.” Our step-parent adoption sailed through. Every form was right the first time.
“They knew exactly what DSS and the court needed.” We finalized sooner than expected.
“ICPC felt overwhelming—until this team took over.” Everything was compliant and on time.
“Clear fees, clear timeline, zero surprises.” The decree covered exactly what our school and insurer needed.
“International re-adoption done right.” We finally have a state record for everyday life.
“Responsive and thorough.” From consent to final hearing, they handled every step.
Visit Our Greensboro Office
Culbertson & Associates
315 Spring Garden St Ste #300, Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: (336) 272-4299
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Areas served: North Carolina statewide, including Guilford, Forsyth, Randolph, and Alamance Counties.
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