Unfortunately, tax season is upon us. There are few federal tax benefits for for adoption, including a tax credit for qualified adoption expenses and an exclusion from income for employer-provided adoption assistance. In this post, I answer some frequently asked questions about the tax credit.
Read moreLauren Bates Named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for the Fourth Year in a Row
Lauren Bates is incredibly honored to be named a 2020 San Diego Super Lawyers Rising Star. Lauren has received this recognition each year since 2017.
Read moreHow the Coronavirus Pandemic Might Affect Your Adoption
The world feels scary right now as our lives are all being disrupted by the global coronavirus pandemic. However, adoptions are still happening. Babies are still being born; birth parents are still making the decision to place children for adoption. Only time will tell how this pandemic will fully impact adoptions. Based on the information I am seeing today, this post discusses some predictions of how this unprecedented pandemic might affect your adoption.
Read moreCreating More Adoption-Friendly Workplaces
Adoption can be a difficult and lengthy process. The last thing an adoptive parent should have to deal with is an unsupportive employer during that process. Fortunately, a growing number of employers are providing adoption-related benefits, including reimbursement for adoption expenses and paid leave benefits comparable to those provided to biological parents.
Read moreOur Adoption Journey
The story of my own adoption journey that led to our beautiful daughter.
Read moreTaking a Leave of Absence for Adoption
After welcoming a new child through foster care or adoption, time off from work to bond with the child and adjust to the new family dynamic is incredibly special and often a necessity. Read below to learn how much time off is allowed, eligibility requirements, and additional benefits provided in California.
Read moreLauren Bates Named a 2019 San Diego Super Lawyers Rising Star
For the third year in a row, Lauren Bates has been named to the list of San Diego Super Lawyers Rising Stars!
Read moreDomestic Adoption Costs
One of the first questions that I am typically asked by hopeful adoptive parents pursuing domestic adoption is “How much does adoption cost?” Read below to learn about the cost range of domestic adoptions, where the money goes, and some tips for funding your adoption.
Read moreStepparent Adoption FAQs
Interested in learning more about adopting your stepchild or stepchildren? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the stepparent adoption process in California.
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