Adoption + Surrogacy Attorneys in California

Building a family through adoption or surrogacy is one of life’s most profound milestones. While California offers some of the most supportive laws in the country for family formation, the legal path to get there is often detailed and constantly evolving.

At Foster + Bloom, we provide the clarity you need to move forward, turning complex legal requirements into a secure reality for your family. Whether you are exploring your first options or are ready to sign an agreement, our California attorneys protect your future with unmatched expertise and genuine heart.

Local Legal Support Across California

We partner with families throughout the state to ensure every legal detail is handled with precision. Because our attorneys are licensed to practice right here in California, we understand the nuances of local court procedures and filing requirements that change from county to county.

Our experience spans every major court system, from San Francisco to San Diego. We combine the resources of a nationwide firm with essential local insight to ensure your case is handled correctly, no matter where you live.

Meet Your California Attorneys

Michelle Evans,
Founding Member

Why I Practice in Family Law: "Adoption and reproductive law matters are one of the most important and intimate processes a family will experience. It is always an honor to become such a vital part of a process to make these dreams a reality. Who could ask for a better profession?"

Contact MichelleView Michelle's Profile >

My Practice Areas+

• Foster Care Adoption
• Stepparent + Second Parent Adoption
• Domestic Infant Adoption
• Surrogacy
• International Surrogacy
• ART Law + Gamete Donor Agreements
• Adult Adoption
• Relative Adoption
• Parentage Orders

Tifany Markee,
Founding Member

Why I Practice in Family Law: "I truly enjoy guiding families through some of the most complex of immigration and international matters, and I ensure they always feel heard and valued. Reassuring clients that I am there, as their team member, is so rewarding, and knowing that families can live together, wherever they choose, is the best part."

Contact TifanyView Tifany's Profile >

My Practice Areas+

• International Adoption
• Surrogacy
• International Surrogacy
• Immigration + Citizenship
• Relative Adoption
• Parentage Orders

Expert Legal Guidance for Your Path

Growing a family requires a legal strategy that anticipates your needs and protects everyone involved. We’ve designed our services to provide a straightforward, secure path for whichever family-building journey you choose.

Our Offices in California

Main Office:

16868 Via Del Campo Ct. Suite 100

San Diego, California 92127

Contact Us

Main Office:

674 County Square Dr. Suite 203

Ventura, California 93003

Contact Us

Surrogacy Legal Services in California

California is a premier jurisdiction for surrogacy, largely due to its established laws regarding intent-based parentage. We handle the intricacies of these laws so you can focus on the human side of the journey.

• We draft clear, practical contracts that define the expectations and responsibilities of both the intended parents and the surrogate, leaving no room for uncertainty.
• We draft contracts for egg, sperm, and embryo donation that define legal parentage from the very beginning.
• We manage the pre-birth order process so your parental rights are established before delivery. This ensures your names are placed directly on the original birth certificate.
• We verify that every step follows California’s surrogacy statutes, removing legal hurdles before they can even appear.

Adoption Legal Services in California

Building a family is a deeply personal journey, and our mission is to ensure that your family’s reality is fully recognized and protected under California law. We provide the comprehensive legal framework necessary to navigate the adoption process, keeping your path ethically sound, legally secure, and on track. From managing court filings to collaborating with state agencies, we handle the complexities of the judicial system so you can focus on what matters most: your child.

• Private Domestic Infant Adoptions: We manage the formal transfer of parental rights and all necessary court filings, collaborating closely with your placement agency to meet every judicial expectation.
• Stepparent and Second Parent Adoptions: For blended and LGBTQ+ families, we simplify the process of protecting the bond you’ve already built. This provides vital legal security for medical decisions and inheritance rights.
• International Adoptions: Navigating the mix of foreign laws and U.S. immigration rules can be complex. We manage USCIS requirements to help bring your child home and handle the re-adoption process once you are back in California.
• Foster Care to Permanent Adoption: We stand beside families transitioning from foster care to legal permanence, working directly with state agencies to finalize the adoption and provide your child with a forever home.
• Adult Adoptions: For families honoring long-standing parental relationships, we offer a streamlined approach. This process bypasses the intensive background checks required for minor adoptions to make your relationship official efficiently.

Legal Support for Every Family Journey

Every family is unique, and we are proud to serve as a champion for all paths to parenthood. We provide specialized advocacy and support for:

• Intended parents: We manage the legal complexities so you can focus on welcoming your child.
• LGBTQ+ families: We advocate for modern families, ensuring your parental rights are secure regardless of biological connections.
• Surrogates: We provide a thorough legal review of your contracts to verify that your rights are protected and the terms are fair.
• Birth parents: We ensure your wishes are respected and your legal rights are clearly explained and honored.
• Agencies and professionals: We help our professional partners stay compliant with state and federal standards while they serve families.

Building your family is the first step; protecting it for the long term is the next. We create customized trusts and wills—including guardianship designations—that are specifically tailored for modern families formed through adoption or surrogacy.

Why California Families Partner with Foster + Bloom

California families choose us because we are the only law firm that lives and breathes family-building every single day.

1. A single focus: We don’t handle divorces, disputes, or general litigation. Our energy is focused entirely on helping families grow.
2. Unmatched authority: With over 185 years of combined experience, our team has successfully navigated thousands of journeys. We use that depth of knowledge to make your experience as smooth as possible.
3. National strength: We coordinate legal steps even if your journey involves another state or a different country, providing a seamless experience across borders.
4. Simplifying the complex: We cut through the technicalities to give you a roadmap you can actually follow, turning a complicated process into a clear path forward.

Hear From Our Clients

"There was absolutely no question in our minds who we wanted to help us complete this adoption."

Susie

"Definitely the best choice of adoption needs!"

Lita

"In our first meeting I knew that our growing family was in good hands."

Khandy and Kenny

Common Questions About California Family Law

Do I really need a lawyer if I’m working with a surrogate I already know?

Yes. California law requires formal, written contracts to establish legal parentage. We ensure the pre-birth order process is done correctly, which protects everyone involved and verifies that the birth certificate is accurate from day one.

What exactly does a pre-birth order do?

It is a court order we obtain that declares the intended parents as the legal parents before the baby is born. In California, this gives you immediate medical authority at the hospital and ensures your names go directly on the birth certificate without a post-birth adoption.

What happens if the adoption involves another state?

As a national firm, we handle interstate cases frequently. We ensure strict compliance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) and coordinate every legal step between California and the other involved jurisdictions.

Building your secure future

The legal side of growing your family should provide peace of mind, not more stress. At Foster + Bloom, we take care of the complexities so you can focus on the arrival of your child.

Whether you’re starting an adoption, a surrogacy journey, or formalizing a blended family, we are here to provide the protected path you need.

Get Your Family-Building Story Started

Your family’s story deserves a foundation built on experience and care. Connect with a California-licensed attorney at Foster + Bloom today. Let’s talk about your goals and how we can reach them together.