Albert George Lirhus

I focus on Adoption cases. 

I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. For the past 35+ years I have assisted in the formation of countless families through all types of adoption, including independent, agency-assisted, interstate, international, co-parent, stepparent, relative, adult, and foster-adopt.

I spent 2+ years on active duty in the United States Navy and am married with three children. I really enjoy helping people create families through adoption and assisted reproduction technologies. I also enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, traveling, skiing, running, and biking.

There are five major types of adoptions: Independent or Private Adoption, Domestic Agency Adoption, International Adoption, Stepparent and Second Parent Adoption, and Adult Adoption. Follow the links to learn more about each type.

Every state has different adoption laws, but the goal is always to provide safe and stable homes for children. In Washington, the laws are liberal: anyone can be adopted and anyone over age 18 can be an adoptive parent.

There are three legal phases of an adoption:

The first phase is terminating the legal relationship between the child and the biological parents. Sometimes the biological parent consents to this step, and other times a court terminates parental rights.
The second phase is transferring custody to the adoptive parents. Sometimes the first and second phases happen together, and sometimes they do not.
The third phase is finalizing the adoption. Finalization usually happens weeks or months after the adoptive parents take custody.
A number of laws can affect adoptions, including the Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC), the federal and state Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. § 1901, the federal and state Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act, criminal laws prohibiting the purchase and sale of children, and local court rules.

Adoptive parents and adoptees may be eligible for benefits or assistance, depending on the type of adoption. For example, state and federal funds are available for children who meet the definition of a “special needs child,” and the adoption tax credit may be available to people who adopt internationally, domestically, or from foster care.

Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys
Chair, Amicus Committee
Former member of Board of Trustees
Washington State Bar Association

American Bar Association

King County Bar Association

Martindale Hubble (AV) Rating

Given the Congressional Angels in Adoption Award by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in Washington, D.C.