Robert H. Klima, Adoption Attorney - Fellow of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys

The American Academy of Adoption Attorneys is a national association of approximately 300 highly experienced attorneys who practice, or have otherwise distinguished themselves, in the field of adoption law. Robert Klima is one of only 15 Fellows in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The Academy's work includes promoting the reform of adoption laws and disseminating information on ethical adoption practices.

Fellows of the Academy are attorneys in the Academy who have met the highest ethical and competency standards for admission to this national organization. They are active practitioners with the most knowledge, skill, and experience in the field of adoption.

Robert H. Klima has been engaged in the practice of law in Virginia since 1978. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland (1974) and George Mason University School of Law (1978).

He has personally handled over 600 adoptions, including agency, parental placement, step-parent and contested adoptions. Because of his expertise in the adoption field and his extensive litigation experience, both in adoption and family law, Mr. Klima frequently receives referrals from local attorneys, as well as other members of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. Mr. Klima has helped to draft many of Virginia's adoption laws and has lectured and written on the subject.

• Parental Placement Adoptions
  
• Step Parent Adoptions
  
• Agency Adoptions
  
• Interstate (ICPC) Adoption
  
• Contested Adoption
  
• Open adoption
  
• Mediation of Adoption Disputes
  
• Single parent Adoption
  
• Grandparent Representation

Why Hire an Experienced Adoption Attorney?

Adoption is a wonderful option for expanding your family, but the laws governing the process are quite complex.  Working with an expert in adoption law will help ensure that the adoption proceeds smoothly.

 

Mr. Klima will: Provide an explanation of adoption law and procedures and develop a legally secure plan to accomplish your goals; Explain your rights and responsibilities and refer you to attorneys who practice in other states if necessary; Assess the risks involved, determine what costs are permissible and ensure that birth parent's rights are legally terminated; Recommend licensed child placing agencies to conduct home study investigations. Review home study reports in order to ensure that every requirement has been met; Clarify your options for post-placement arrangements with birth parents if you choose an open adoption.

Birth Parents

Birth parents' decision to place their child for adoption can be a difficult one. Counselors are often available through adoption agencies and crisis pregnancy centers to help with this decision. Factors such as the age and maturity of the birth parents and what support structure and resources are available to them are just some of the things to be considered.

Mr. Klima represents many birth parents and can assist them in choosing an adoptive family for their child. There are many childless couples seeking to adopt who are ready to provide a wonderful, loving home for children who need one. Mr. Klima can guide birth parents through this process and make sure that their rights are protected every step of the way.

Birth parents who have already arranged to place their child for adoption with a particular adoptive family can utilize the services of Mr. Klima to facilitate and finalize the adoption.

Adoptive Parents

Many adoptive families have observed the fact there are far more families seeking to adopt than there are newborn babies and children available for adoption.  This makes it important for families hoping to pursue parental placement adoption to develop a current, attractive profile for birth parents to review.  Mr. Klima can assist families in establishing a profile and moving forward in the process to adopt a child. Mr. Klima’s services are available to guide the process and finalize the adoption for those adoptive parents that have established a relationship with a birth mother.

Contested Adoptions

Virginia courts are authorized to grant an adoption even when the birth parents do not consent. This requires a trial, where evidence is presented to demonstrate that the adoption is in the best interests of the child.

Mr. Klima has tried dozens of these cases successfully, and is known for his extensive litigation experience.

Adoption Law in Virginia

The law of adoption is intended to recognize and protect the interests of the three parties involved in every adoption: the birth parents, the adoptive parents and the child.

The laws and procedures which govern adoption can be complex. Adoption law is primarily state law, and differs greatly from state to state. Often a child is placed from one state into another. When this occurs, the laws of both states will be involved.

There is a great deal of information about adoption on the internet, some of which is misleading.  Utilizing the expertise of Robert H. Klima will ensure you are fully and properly informed and represented every step of the way.

Families served throughout Virginia including but not limited to Prince William County, Manassas City, Manassas Park, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Alexandria City, Arlington County, Warren County, Frederick County, City of Winchester, Stafford county, Fredericksburg City, Spotsylvania County, Orange County, Madison County, Culpeper County, Rappahannock County, Page County, Shenandoah County, King George, Leesburg City, Loudoun County, Fauquier County, Warrenton, Clarke County, Rockingham County, Harrisonburg County, Augusta County, Charlottesville City, Albemarle County.