Adoption

St. Louis Adoption Lawyer

Missouri Adoption Law

Welcoming a new member to your family is an exciting time, but it will also present legal challenges that must be overcome. Whether you want to adopt a stepchild or other family member, or are interested in traditional adoption, a skilled St. Louis adoption attorney can help you navigate the necessary paperwork and proceedings with ease.

At Cavanagh & Associates, we represent families across St. Louis, St. Charles, Chesterfield, and the surrounding areas who are looking to adopt. In Missouri, most of these cases are heard in the juvenile court division of county courts. We know how these proceedings work and can guide you through every step to avoid mistakes that could lead to delays or disruptions that may affect your ability to adopt.

To get started, call (314) 309-2799. We offer a consultation to discuss your adoption goals.

What Are The Different Types of Adoption in Missouri?

Are you looking for experienced counsel and support? St. Louis adoption lawyer Jack Cavanagh has over half of a century of legal experience. He is a strong advocate for his clients’ rights and uses his considerable knowledge of family law and adoption legislation to effectively represent his clients’ interests.

We provide adoption counsel across St. Louis, Chesterfield, and St. Charles related to:

  • Stepparent Adoptions – Stepparent adoptions commonly occur when a parent remarries and the new spouse wishes to adopt their child. Often, the other parent is absent from the child’s life and the stepparent wants to take on the legal rights and responsibilities of parenting.
  • Grandparent Adoptions – Grandparent adoptions are often pursued when a child’s parents are physically and/or financially unable to provide for their child, have not provided sufficient care, or the parent is in trouble with the law, most often related to drug or substance abuse. Tragically, some grandparent adoptions follow the death of a parent.
  • Independent Private Adoption Attorney – An independent private adoption grants a person or couple, legal parentage of a child after the birth parents voluntarily give up their parental rights. Before you can assume legal responsibility for a child, the child’s parents must first terminate their own parental rights. Often, the termination of parental rights is a formality, but in cases involving abuse or neglect, it can be necessary for a court to terminate parental rights.

We at Cavanagh & Associates can assist you in understanding the rights and obligations you will assume as you seek to adopt your child and establish your legal status as the parent of your child.

We're ready to hear from you. Contact us at (314) 309-2799 today to schedule your case evaluation. 

Our Clients Mean Everything to Us

Read Stories Directly From People We've Helped
    "Truth will always prevail."
    First of all, it was hard to find a lawyer that works with grandparents rights. Jack did a great job and we get to see our grand-daughter for the first time in a year. We are very thankful to him.
    - Mr. Callaway
    "Great Team! Highly Recommended."
    I worked with Jack and Eka recently and must say they exceeded my expectations. Great communication and compassion for what you’re dealing with. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to them for any of my legal matters.
    - Donald Salisbury
    "I highly recommend him"
    Jack took over my divorce case and made a seemingly endless divorce process (nearly 4 years with mediation, continuances and a former atty.) come to a quick and agreeable settlement. Jack is an effective and seasoned attorney that made easy work of the negotiations. He is respectful and concerned for his clients. His associates were friendly and helpful, ensuring that all paperwork was completed in a timely and accurate fashion. I highly recommend him if you are going through a difficult divorce.
    - Carol
    "I was beyond satisfy"
    Mr. Jack Cavanagh was my attorney getting me removed from an child birth certificate that wasn’t my child. He made the process very easy and timely manner the communication was very good and I was beyond satisfy with the outcome and service Thank you Mr.Jack and Ms.English
    - Demetric L.
    "Attorney Cavanagh is a fantastic lawyer"
    Attorney Cavanagh is a fantastic lawyer. His experience is unparalleled. He does an excellent job of keeping his clients informed, and he is an outstanding advocate in court. He is kind and patient, and genuinely cares about his clients. I am proud to know him, and grateful for his help!
    - Rick V.
    "He has worked with me even though we are in different states to ensure I am kept abreast of what is going on."
    He has worked with me even though we are in different states to ensure I am kept abreast of what is going on.
    - Former Client
    "Two things define you. Your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything."
    My experience with Mr. Cavanagh was very pleasant. I was kept informed about what was going on with my case. Phone calls were returned promptly and everything was explained to me. Knowledgeable, personable and fair - can't ask for much more than that. He was on my side. One more thing.... he's not a pushover when it comes to the opponent! Love it!
    - Terri Buckner
    "I've worked with Jack on two separate occasions and both times I felt that he not only had my best interest in mind but was going to bat on my behalf. "
    I would highly recommend setting up a consultation with Jack regarding your legal matters as he certainly goes above and beyond for his clients.
    - Matt