Osage County Family Lawyers

Guardianship of a Child

In some situations, you might seek guardianship of a minor child. Under Oklahoma law, the court may appoint a guardian over the person or property of a minor child if it is necessary or convenient for the child’s wellbeing (e.g., if the current legal guardian of the child is unable to adequately provide for them). Legal guardianship allows you to make certain decisions on behalf of the child, such as enrolling them in school and authorizing medical treatment for them.

The process for obtaining guardianship is as follows:

1. File a petition for guardianship with the court clerk and any other necessary paperwork. (This should be filed in the county the child resides or the county where you reside).
2. Ask a judge to appoint your guardian.
3. Attend a hearing to show the judge why you should be appointed the child’s guardian.

Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC can help you complete all the paperwork for your petition and build a strong case for the judge to grant you guardianship. This is an important step for both you and the child, and an experienced family lawyer can facilitate a smoother process.

Osage County Adoption Lawyer

Adopting a child is as important a decision as it is complex to complete. Navigating Oklahoma's adoption process can be stressful and, in some situations, completely deter a family from adopting. Having a skilled adoption lawyer in Tulsa to navigate you through the process is essential. Inviting a child into your family is one of the biggest decisions a person can make. Any missteps in the process can result in a lengthy adoption or even an outright denial. 

Our skilled legal team is ready to make the process as streamlined and easy as possible for you. We have helped bring together several families and truly understand the joy adopting can bring.  The first step of adopting in Oklahoma is understanding your options. 

What Are the Three Different Types of Adoption in Oklahoma?

• Related – at least one of the adoptive parents is related by blood or marriage to the child (e.g., stepparent adoption)
• Unrelated – the child is adopted by unrelated parents (e.g., through an adoption agency)
• Adult – an adult is adopted by any other adult, as long as the adoptee consents

What Are the Requirements for Adoption in Oklahoma? 

Any married or unmarried person 21 years or older can adopt. If the adoptee is 12 years or older, they must provide their consent to the adoption. The child’s biological parents must also provide their consent, which could include having their parental rights terminated (as in the case of stepparent adoption).

Can You Adopt Someone Over 18 in Oklahoma?

Any adult who resides in Oklahoma may adopt a person over 18 years of age. Adult adoption is a legal process that can be used for a variety of reasons, such as inheritance, guardianship, or simply to formalize a family relationship.

Filing paperwork with the court is the first step in the adult adoption process in Oklahoma. This typically includes information concerning the adoptive parent and adoptee, such as their names, addresses, birthdates, etc. We will also include a home study if it is required.

Following the court's review of all paperwork, each party must appear before the judge in order to present their case and ask any questions they may have. After the judge approves the adoption and both parties agree to proceed, a legal order will be issued recognizing them as parent and child.

How Long Does an Adoption Take in Oklahoma? 

The adoption process can be lengthy. One of the most important steps of the process is the home study, also called the home residency, during which the adoptee must reside in their adoptive home for at least 6 months before the adoption can be finalized. 

Family law matters can be confusing and complicated to handle on your own. Whether you have questions about child custody, guardianship, or adoption in Oklahoma, let a qualified and experienced family lawyer in Osage County help. Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC takes a client-oriented approach on all their cases to ensure they fight for the outcome you want.

Schedule a free consultation with the our dedicated Pawhuska family lawyers today to discuss your legal options in more detail.