Building Families Through Adoption

Explore how our dedicated legal team at Rivertown Law can guide you through the adoption process and ensure a smooth transition to your new family dynamic.

Understanding Adoption in Family Law

Adoption is a profound legal process that not only creates a permanent parent-child relationship but also transforms lives. At Rivertown Law, we understand the emotional and legal complexities involved in such an action.

 

Our mission is to provide compassionate and comprehensive legal support to families seeking to adopt. We guide you through each step, from initial consultation to finalization, ensuring your journey is as seamless and positive as possible. With a deep commitment to protecting what matters, we strive to make every adoption a rewarding experience for all parties involved.

Family signing a Power of Attorney

Our Adoption Services

Stepparent Adoption

Stepparents play a vital role in a child’s life, and securing legal rights can provide stability and security. Rivertown Law can guide you through the process—call 843-488-5600 to learn more.

Relative Adoption

When a parent is unable to care for their child, a relative stepping in to gain legal parental rights can provide much-needed stability and continuity. This process helps keep families together, ensuring the child grows up in a safe, loving, and familiar environment surrounded by those who care for them most.

Foster Care Adoption

Many children in South Carolina’s foster system need loving, permanent homes. Foster care adoption offers a rewarding way to grow your family while providing stability to a child in need. Rivertown Law can guide you through the legal process

Our Family Law Services

Child Custody

Child custody decisions impact your family’s future. Whether seeking custody, modifying an order, or protecting your parental rights, Rivertown Law provides experienced legal guidance.

Divorce

Divorce is a major life change that requires careful legal guidance. Whether handling assets, custody, or support, Rivertown Law is here to protect your interests. Call 843-488-5600 to discuss your options.

Child Support

Child support ensures financial stability for your child. Whether you need to establish, modify, or enforce support, Rivertown Law will advocate for your rights and your child’s best interests.

Common Questions About Adoption

Understanding the adoption process can be complex. Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you through.

What are the steps involved in the adoption process?

The process typically includes an initial consultation, home study, matching with a child, placement, and finalization. Each step is crucial to ensure a successful adoption.

How long does the adoption process take?
The timeline can vary depending on the type of adoption and specific circumstances, but it generally takes between several months to a year or more.

What are the costs associated with adoption?

Costs can vary widely based on the type of adoption and specific services needed. We provide a detailed breakdown during the initial consultation.

Can single individuals adopt a child?
Yes, single individuals are eligible to adopt. We support all family structures in their journey to adoption.

What is a home study, and why is it necessary?

A home study is an assessment of prospective parents to ensure a safe and supportive environment for the child. It is a mandatory part of the process.

How do we prepare for the adoption finalization hearing?
We guide you through the necessary legal documentation and help you understand what to expect during the finalization hearing.

What Our Clients Say

I have used the services of Rivertown Law on several occasions. Their services are impeccable. They have a great staff and are very easy to work with. I would highly recommend them.”

Andrew Assad

Brad is a great guy who’s not afraid to step up for the dad’s.

Linda V

Thanks to Brad and the whole team for helping me. They really like to see good people win.”

Will Oakes

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We are here to help you with adoption questions

--- Our Firm

This firm was founded on the belief that working with us is more than simply hiring an attorney, it should bring you peace of mind and allow you to continue with your life while we attend to your legal matters. We offer the flexibility of experience that allows us to excel in both aggressively representing your interests or reaching amicable resolutions borne of a collaborative approach, dependent upon your circumstances.

 Our firm is full service. We offer our experience to you in the following practice areas:

  • Family Law
  • Real Estate
  • Personal Injury
  • Estate Planning

The attorneys at Rivertown Law are available to consult with you in a private setting at a time that is convenient for you. Rather than simply churn out documents for you like many other faceless firms do, we prefer to be a trusted adviser you can turn to for help. Rest assured, we will get your paperwork done, but at our firm you are more than a name — you are a person.

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Our Commitment

Since 2005, we have helped thousands of individuals from all walks of life, including LGBT families, United States servicemen and women, business owners, and employees from some of the area's largest companies and organizations.
Every client relationship is treated as unique and special. At the beginning of each client relationship, we develop a unique client service plan. We spend the time necessary to understand each client's communication styles and preferences, which enables us to deliver both successful legal results as well as excellent personal service.

--- Our Philosophy

We meet our clients during some of the most stressful and trying times in their lives. We understand what is at stake and have dedicated ourselves to helping our clients preserve what they value most. Our ultimate goal is ensuring our clients' well-being—both in the confidence gained from an experienced and knowledgeable legal team, and the comfort offered from a compassionate attorney willing to take the time to navigate you through what is often a complicated and emotional process.

Terry Beverly

Lead Trial Attorney

In today’s fast-paced world, Terry’s down-home approach will leave you at ease.  For the last 43 years, clients with Family Law, Wills, Real Estate, and other litigation needs have gone to Terry to get the right answers quickly. As clients struggle to keep up with changing, local, and state laws, Terry provides concise advice and actionable solutions. He has years of experience litigating hotly contested cases. That background enables him to develop clear terms in negotiations and agreements, all with an eye to avoiding future legal strife. This tactical and business-focused approach resolves highly contentious legal claims for a fraction of the cost.  

In his free time, you will find him working on or riding his tractor around the farm with, Scruffie, his dog. 

Brad Smith

Founding Attorney

After traveling the world and the seven seas, Brad came home, founding Rivertown Law in 2005.  Since then, he has guided Family Law, Real Estate, Criminal and Personal injury clients through good and bad times, giving timely advice and actionable solutions.  Over the last 17 plus years he has litigated hotly contested cases in both Federal and State courts. That background has enabled him to develop a clear vision, a vision he uses during negotiations and trial work.  All with an eye towards avoiding future legal trouble. This tactical and focused approach resolves highly contentious legal claims for a fraction of the cost. 

Brad is a master of useless trivia, and in his free time he enjoys watching SCFI with his dogs Roxie and Daisy.       

John Zilinsky

Lead Real Estate & Probate Attorney

Born in Washington DC John developed a love of paperwork at a young age.  And as they say, “do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life”.  Well John has done just that over the last 33 years.  Over the last three decades John has helped several local governments develop zoning laws, ordinances and landowners fight those same laws. When not fighting zoning laws he helps home buyers and sellers navigate an ever-changing housing market.  Over the last 20 years John has supported families through all areas of life, and death, helping with Wills and Probate issues.

John and his dog, Atlas are lifelong Cubs Fans. And Atlas assures John that next year will be the year the Cubs win the World Series.      

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