Laurie B. Goldheim, Esq.

Laurie Goldheim is nationally recognized for her expertise in adoption and assisted reproductive technology law matters and is dedicated to the highest standard of practice in the field.

Laurie Goldheim received a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and a Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law. Laurie’s work as an ART and adoption attorney is much more than just a career – it is a core part of who she is as a person. As an adoptee herself, she believes that modern day family building is extraordinary. Because of her commitment and understanding of what effort it takes to build, and what it means to be a part of, a family, her work extends far beyond that of a typical attorney. She provides not only legal but also emotional support and guidance to all of her clients to help them through their unique family building process. Each journey is of the utmost importance to her. Laurie is always available to respond to your questions and concerns. Being an adoption and ART attorney is, to her, rewarding, meaningful, and fulfilling.

Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA)

1993 – Present
Trustee 2008 – 2013
President’s Award 2013
President-Elect 2013-2014
President 2014-2015
Immediate Past President 2015-2016
Director of Adoption 2018-2019

  • Membership Committee – conduct due diligence on new applicants
  • International Adoption Committee
  • Legislative Committee
  • Children’s Rights Committee
  • Awards Committee
  • Open Records Committee
  • Secondary Placement Adoptions
  • Code of Ethics

Family Formation Charitable Trust (FFCT)

The mission of the FFFCT is to provide financial assistance to those individuals and non-profit organizations seeking to build families through adoption and assisted reproduction

  • Board of Directors 2014-2016
  • Fundraising Committee 2014-2016
  • Grant Committee 2015-2019 – awarded $95,000 in grants to 56 families

New York Attorneys for Adoption and Family Formation

2010 – Present
Founder, Board Member, Secretary

RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association

Night of Hope Award for Advocacy 2013
Given to an individual and/or organization/corporation whose work has raised public awareness, advanced a legislative agenda, or prompted change for the benefit of those diagnosed with infertility.

Congressional Coalition on Adoption

A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the millions of children around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes and to eliminating the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right to a family.
Angels in Adoption Award 2007
An award to celebrate individuals, couples and organizations that have made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of families; Nominated by Nita Lowey (D-NY).
 

National Council for Adoption, Member

 

New York State Bar Association, Member

 

Rockland County Bar Association, Member

 

Helpusadopt.org

Advisory Council 2018 – Present
A national non-profit financial assistance program that provides life-changing grants to qualified couples and individuals to help fund adoption expenses.
 

The Center for Mediation in Law, Certified Mediator 2007

Extensive Mediation Training, March 2007

Co-author of Child Parent Security Act in New York State

The CPSA lifts the current ban on surrogacy and legalizes gestational carrier arrangements, where a woman can receive compensation to carry a pregnancy, but has no genetic link to the offspring.

Accuracy for Adoptees Act

The Act, proposed by members of AAAA, was signed into law by President Obama in 2014. It requires that a Federal Certificate of Citizenship for a child born outside of the United States reflect the child’s name and date of birth as indicated on a State court order or State vital records document issued by the child’s State of residence after the child has been adopted in that State.

Child Citizenship Act

An amendment to the CCA ensures full retroactive U.S. citizenship status to foreign born children properly adopted by U.S. citizens, regardless of when they arrived in the United States.

Adoption Tax Credit

The ATC is a bipartisan credit that has existed since 1997. It advances an important public goal by encouraging domestic and international adoptions, especially for children with special needs who otherwise might linger in costly foster care. By offsetting some of the costs of adoption or of caring for a child with special needs, the tax credit makes adoption a more viable option for many children and families.

MilCon-VA Appropriations Bill

In 2017, advocated for an amendment to allocate funds to the Veterans Administration to offer IVF and adoption assistance to wounded Veterans. The appropriation now allows the VA to offer these services to wounded Veterans for the first time ever.

Responsible Father Registry

The purpose of the Responsible Father Registry is to provide notice to unmarried biological fathers who affirmatively assume responsibility for children they may have fathered by registering with the RFR.

Indian Child Welfare Act

Regulations applied to Child Custody Proceedings involving Native American children

We’re here for you. Please reach out.

As adoption and reproductive law attorneys, The Law Offices of Laurie B. Goldheim serve as a primary resource, counsel and partner to clients who seek to grow their families by contemporary means and methods, as recognized by the courts of New York and New Jersey.