About Mills Adoption Law

I help build families.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Families are formed in many ways. Whether you are…

• Adopting a baby from next door, out of state, or another country
• Blending families through stepparent adoption
• Adopting a stepchild, or adult, or
• Building your family through surrogacy and assisted reproductive technologies

Experience matters. We can help you build your family.

Adoptive Parents

You have many different choices. I can help you decide which choice is the right one for you.

I can help you make objective assessments of the legal, medical, and financial risks. Experience is the difference between knowing you can and knowing whether you should.

Mothers

Today, a mother facing an unplanned pregnancy has many choices. Trained counselors are available to help you make the decision that is right for you and your baby without judging you. Call to learn about your legal rights.

Fathers

Fathers have rights and parenting options too. Participating in the decision-making process is the best way to protect your rights.

Agencies and Adoption Professionals

We live in a complex and interconnected world. But, geographic boundaries still control the reach of the law. Most adoption law is determined by the individual states. Let us be your legal advisor for licensing, advertising, Interstate Compact, and the issues related to providing adoption services in North Carolina.

About Me

Experience

• 30 years’ experience
• Fellow, American Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproductive Attorneys
• Board Certified Specialist in Family Law
• Former director of a child placement agency
• Advocate for each member of the adoption triad – mothers, fathers, and adoptive parents
• Attorney for child placement agencies

Reported Decisions

In re A.C.V., No. COA09-1199, 692 S.E.2d 158 (2010) (In a termination of parental rights proceeding, a father’s failure to provide substantial financial support or consistent care for the mother or child is sufficient grounds to terminate the father’s parental rights. Evidence of parental unfitness or neglect is not required.

A Child’s Hope, LLC, v. Doe, et. al., 178 N.C. App. 96, 630 S.E.2d 673(2006) (In a proceeding for termination of parental rights, a father’s failure to take the required actions to demonstrate commitment to parent-child relationship by providing substantial financial support or consistent care is not excused by misrepresentation by the mother).

In Re Adoption of Anderson, 360 N.C. 271, 624 S.E.2d 626 (2006), reversing 165 N.C. App. 413, 598 S.E.2d 638 (2004) (In an adoption, a father’s tenders or offers of support are not alone sufficient to constitute actually providing financial or tangible support for mother and the mother’s refusal to accept assistance cannot excuse or thwart the father’s ability to take the required actions to demonstrate commitment to parent-child relationship).

In Re Adoption of Anderson, 165 N.C. App. 413, 598 S.E.2d 638 (2004) (In an adoption, a mother’s polite refusal of a father’s offers of support are sufficient to excuse a father’s failure to provide financial or tangible support for mother. Offers alone are sufficient), reversed 360 N.C. 271, 624 S.E.2d 626 (2006).

Classes/Seminars/Publications

• Frequent Speaker, Family Law and Adoption, Continuing Legal Education Programs
• Adoption Law, Overview of North Carolina Laws, Professional Development Network, 1999.
• Retirement and Welfare Benefit Plan Issues for Family Law Attorneys: Overview of Non ERISA Retirement Plans – Understanding Federal Government and Military Retirement Plans, Family Law Section, Mecklenburg County Association, September, 2000
• Practice Before the Clerk: Special Proceedings, Adoptions and Vital Records, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers, 2004.
• The Relationship Between Immigration & Adoption Law, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers, The Effective Lawyer, Part 2, April 2005.
• Adoption Practice and Procedure, Wake Forest University, 2007.
• Adoption Law Start to Finish, NBI, 2010.
• Adoption Law: Start to Finish, Following Ethical Guidelines, NBI 2016.
• Adoption Law: Start to Finish, What to Do if Something Goes Wrong, NBI 2016.
• Adoption Law Made Simple, Adhering to Ethical Guidelines in Adoption Law, NBI 2018