Case Study: Legal Recognition of a Longtime Chosen Family

The following case study illustrates a legal matter handled by our firm, showcasing outcomes achieved for our clients. While based on a real case, certain details such as names, dates, and specific circumstances have been altered to maintain client confidentiality and protect their privacy. It is important to note that the client has reviewed and approved the publication of this case study.

This narrative serves to provide insights into our approach, strategies employed, and the successful resolution attained, demonstrating our firm's commitment to delivering effective legal solutions tailored to our clients' needs. However, past results do not guarantee future success and every case is unique, requiring careful analysis before moving forward. 

In May 2025, our office was contacted by Jake, whose partner Gary was receiving end-of-life care in hospice. The couple had spent over two decades building a life together with Brett, a young man who had come to be their son in every meaningful way. While not bound by biology or paperwork, the three had long embraced a parent-child relationship. As Gary's health declined, one of his final wishes was to see Jake adopt Brett—formally, legally, and undeniably—so that Jake would remain connected to the family they had all built.

Time was of the essence. Jake reached out to our office on a Thursday, explaining the urgency of their situation and Gary’s desire to see the adoption finalized while he was still with them. By the end of the following day, we had a signed letter of engagement and a completed intake form. We expedited everything—from gathering necessary consents to preparing the legal petition—and had the adult adoption filed within a week.

Soon after, the court issued a Judgment of Adoption, formally and legally recognizing what had already existed for years: a family built on love, loyalty, and shared history. Jake, Gary, and Brett received the news while together and were able to celebrate that their bond was now affirmed in the eyes of the law. It was a moment of deep joy and peace during an otherwise emotional time.

We were honored to help bring this chapter to a close with the dignity and recognition it deserved. It is cases like these that remind us why we do this work.