Adoption v. Name Change: Know What Fits

Having family connections with someone can occur in so many different ways. How do we protect that relationship legally or create it if our family is not connected traditionally? Is it only about a name? A name change is one vehicle to create that connection by connecting yourself to those you feel are your family by a name. Adoption provides for the creation of a connection with more than just a name. It is so important that an attorney knows what these different actions are and how they can best be used in different situations.

This course will break down the different types of adoption, such as the differences between open, closed, and semi-open adoption. Doing so will help attendees distinguish when to use one versus the other and how best to advise their clients. Attendees will also explore the processes involved in adoption, including how to prepare for an adoption hearing. Finally, it will delve into the complicated process of name changes, discussing reasons for a name change and how to prepare and petition for one.

This program is suitable for attorneys at any level of practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Break down the different components of an adoption case, both child and adult
• Explore the pleading documents to process an adoption case
• Identify the differences between custody, guardianship, and adoption
• Analyze the different components of a name change action
• Discover situations where a name change action is more appropriate than an adoption
• Explore the pleading documents to process a name change

Production Date: 7/2/2024