Did you Know?

There are children of all ages
who are legally free to be adopted and are
waiting for their “Forever Family” right here in
the State of Arizona.
 

The Shanker Law Firm Services

The Shanker Law Firm is a Full Service Adoption and Guardianship Firm Representing the Diverse Needs of Individuals & Families Statewide:

DCS Adoptions [Foster Parents/Kinship]

  • Representation of licensed and unlicensed foster parents and kinship families in Department of Child Safety (DCS) related adoption matters.

(*Firm accepts DES Subsidy “Reimbursement of Non-Recurring Funds” as full and final payment for all legal services and costs related to the adoption of a Foster Child.)

ICPC* Adoptions [DCS Adoptions & Private Adoption Matters]

    • Assisting out-of-state families adopting children who are wards of the state of Arizona; providing legal representation to Arizona residents who are adopting children placed in Arizona by another state through an ICPC* agreement; private placement  ICPC* Adoptions.

(*Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children)

Private Adoptions and Guardianships [Children & Adults]

  • Representing family members seeking private adoption or guardianship of their minor relatives; or permanent placement through the Child Welfare system.
  • Representation of family members or other interested persons seeking guardianship of an incapacitated adult (17.5 years & older)

Private Individuals and Couples

  • Representing Individuals and Private Couples in their desire to adopt through direct placement of a child. Guidance, legal counseling and representation through the labyrinth of the private adoption process. . . from Certification – Temporary Custody / Placement – to Finalization of the Adoption.

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)

  • Assuring compliance with state and federal ICWA requirements in state court custody proceedings.

Adult Adoptions

    • Representing adult person(s) who wish to pursue adoption of another *eligible adult (*current or previous stepchild, niece, nephew, cousin or grandchild; or former foster placement).  

Step Parents

  • Full representation in both contested and uncontested matters. Services inclusive of obtaining birth parent(s) direct consents; or if needed, filing for termination of a birth parent(s) rights to legally free a child to be adopted by a step-parent.

Birth Parents

  • Representing Birth Mothers, as well as Birth Fathers, through the difficult yet self-less decision to privately place their child for adoption with a chosen individual or family.
  • Representing Birth Fathers in timely asserting their paternity rights and obligations.

What our families are saying about The Shanker Law Firm:

Yesenia Llanos
Yesenia Llanos
2025-07-30
The Shanker Law Firm helped me with my adoption case and I could not be more happy with them. They walked me through every step of the process and were quick to respond with any questions that I had. They made this process so easy for me and I am so thankfor for everything that they have done for me and my family.
Lindy Ramos
Lindy Ramos
2025-04-24
I went through Shanker Law Firm for my adoption process through DCS. It was so easy and painless on my end. She made sure everything was done all I had to do was sign papers. I would highly highly recommend. I will be going through Shanker Law again with my next adoption.
George Young
George Young
2025-02-18
Where to start… when we first contacted them to help with our adoption, we were beyond lost. Not sure what came next, how long it would take, how confusing was this gonna get, what we needed to do. Once we talked to them though, everything was taken care of. It was as easy as it could be. We were always informed what was next, what, if anything, was needed from us. When the court date was, what to expect. It was about as stress free as adoption could possibly be. It was the best decision we could have made. Awesome!
Melanie Vache
Melanie Vache
2025-01-17
I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Attorney Tamera and her paralegal, Karin, during the adoption process. Prior to hiring Tamera, I had to navigate through the juvenile court on my own when my kids were placed with us through kinship by the State and throughout the termination of rights process, while also dealing with the Department of Child Safety, numerous caseworkers, and adoption specialists. It was one of the most stressful experiences of my life, but it was all worth the fight. Once the rights were terminated, it was time to hire my own attorney for the adoption, and I could not have found a better match than Tamera and Karin. From the moment I brought them on board, they were my light at the end of the tunnel, guiding me through the final steps of the process and helping to bring our family together. Their expertise, professionalism, and compassion provided me with the support and hope I desperately needed during such an emotionally challenging time. Tamera and Karin were the only positive experience I had throughout this nearly two-year battle, and I will be forever grateful for them both. On our adoption day, there was not a dry eye in the courtroom. Tamera made the experience not only meaningful but also fun as we all testified and officially became a family. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to support me through this life-changing journey. I highly recommend Tamera and Karin to anyone in need of adoption legal services. Their dedication, empathy, and professionalism are truly unmatched. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart.
sina espuma
sina espuma
2024-11-04
They were a great help in adopting my baby boy. Staff were efficient and supportive. Would highly recommend to others
Kathy Fuentes
Kathy Fuentes
2024-10-26
Tamara Shanker has a very caring attitude and takes the time to answer all questions and concerns. She has 30 years of experience, and it shows. She listens and responds in a timely manner. I would not hesitate to engage this firm. Thank you Tamara!
Baleria Gutierrez
Baleria Gutierrez
2024-06-20
The Shanker Law Firm is excellent to work with! Tamera is great at reaching out and responding in a timely manner. She is amazing. Definitely recommend the law firm for the best services possible. Such a great experience.
Laura McKay
Laura McKay
2024-06-18
Tamera and Karin assisted us with my husband’s adoption of his adult stepdaughter (my daughter), and we couldn’t be more grateful. Their professionalism and dedication made the entire process seamless and stress-free. They communicated with us every step of the way, transforming what could have been an overwhelming experience into something smooth and straightforward. The relief and joy we feel now are immeasurable. We can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for our family.
Kasey Strawbridge
Kasey Strawbridge
2024-05-08
Tamera is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and compassionate. She was able to achieve in two days what I struggled to do on my own through standard channels for months. Additionally, she explained everything and put the power in my hands along the way. I highly recommend her services!
More About The Shanker Law Firm

The Shanker Law Firm brings together over 45 combined years of legal experience. The Firm provides quality representation to individuals and families state-wide.

The Firm is a dedicated, full service Adoption and Guardianship practice that focuses on comprehensive representation of:

  • Foster Families
  • Kinship Placements
  • Grandparents
  • Blended Families
  • Relatives
  • Private Couples
  • Single Parents
  • Guardians
  • Same-Sex Couples
  • Step-Parents
  • Birth Mothers
  • Birth Fathers

 

The Shanker Law Firm is committed to building families and forever homes through Adoption and Guardianship

If You Have Any Questions

Call (480) 838-9300 or email us at info@shankerlaw.net

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