Academy Of CA Adoption Lawyers

The Academy of California Adoption-ART Lawyers (ACAL) is a prestigious and exclusive organization of family formation law attorneys who specialize in adoption and assisted reproduction law. Our mission is to provide expert legal services to individuals and families navigating the complex and often challenging process of family formation.

Qualifications for Membership

To become a member of ACAL, applicants must demonstrate a high level of expertise and experience in adoption and assisted reproduction law. Membership requirements include a minimum number of successful family formation cases, or specialized experience in adoption or ART law. ACAL members must also adhere to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our members provide the highest quality legal services to our clients.

Services Offered

ACAL attorneys provide comprehensive legal services to individuals and families seeking to form or strengthen their families through adoption or assisted reproduction. Our services include:

• Adoption Legal Representation: We provide legal representation in all types of adoption proceedings, from independent adoptions to international adoptions.
• Assisted Reproduction Representation: We offer legal services to individuals and couples seeking to form families through assisted reproduction technologies, including surrogacy, egg donation, and embryo donation.
• Screening for Legal Risks: We screen for legal risks in adoption situations to ensure that our clients are aware of any potential legal concerns.
• Trust Account Administration: We manage trust accounts to ensure that funds are properly allocated and used for the benefit of our clients.
• Representation in Adoption Litigation: We represent clients in adoption-related litigation, including termination of parental rights and guardianship proceedings.

Officers and Directors

Our leadership team is composed of highly respected attorneys who are dedicated to the mission of ACAL. Our current officers and directors include:

• President: Deborah Wald
• President-Elect: Cynthia Fruchtman
• Secretary: Greg Masler
• Treasurer: Bonnie Hiler
• Membership Chair: Shelley Tarnoff
• Technology Co-Chairs: Michelle Evans and Alison Foster Davis
• MCLE Co-Chairs: Katyadela Calderon (Adoption) and Rich Vaughn (ART)
• Legislation Chair: Lori Meyers