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At Michael & Russell, PLLC, we’ve seen how adoption changes people on a deep emotional level. It’s one of the best parts of our practice and one of the most complex. The legal process is a singular part of the story, albeit important. Behind every document, hearing, and signature is a family that has fought to stay together or has been brought together in some amazing way.
That’s why the film Instant Family resonates so strongly with us.
Released in 2018, Instant Family tells the story of Pete and Ellie, a couple who decide to adopt three siblings from foster care. What begins as a good intention to adopt a child, quickly becomes a rollercoaster of challenges, laughter, heartbreak, and ultimately, unconditional love. Instant Family doesn’t shy away from the hard truths about adoption, like trauma, resistance and emotional setbacks. Instead, it shows the strength of resilience and the unwavering commitment that makes a family.
One of the film’s most moving moments takes place during the adoption hearing, when the judge says:
“You know, family court is important work, but it’s difficult work. We spend day in and day out dealing with things that we feel no family should have to go through. So, on these rare days when we get to smile at work, these days mean a great deal to all of us.” (Instant Family, Anders, 2018).
“This is not about you. This is about the children. It’s always about the children.”
These words echo the heart of our mission at Michael & Russell, PLLC. That is the most important thing about every adoption we help with: it’s about the children. Their safety, their future, and their sense of belonging. Our job is to help families legally solidify the love and commitment they’ve already built, whether they are adoptive parents, stepparents, or dealing with the complicated world of foster care placements.
The Impact of Adoption in Our Practice
Adoption isn’t just a part of our practice; it’s a big part of who we are as a firm. We've helped over a thousand families in North Carolina with legal steps of adoption, from filing petitions and obtaining consent, to going to court and finalizing the process. We also keep up with changes in the law that affect artificial reproductive technology and non-traditional ways of building a family because love can build a family in many different ways. Our clients come to us at some of the most difficult and life-changing times in their lives. Some people can’t have children, some are bringing families together, and many are answering a call to give a child a permanent home. No matter the path, we approach each case with the same mindset: empathy, clarity, and a deep respect for every family’s unique story.
Attorney Ashley Michael, co-founder of Michael & Russell, PLLC, captures that spirit beautifully:
“I am honored to be a part of working with clients who get to experience the joy of creating a family during the adoption process when life has not blessed them, for whatever reason, with their own biological family. The joy for me is to bring to legal fruition, in whatever shape or form that looks like for each family and set of clients. During my career of two decades, it has also been inspiring to see the law grow to accommodate artificial reproductive technology and what science coupled with the law can do for aspiring parents.” (Ashley Michael, Esq., 2025)
Why Instant Family Matters
Instant Family is more than just a feel-good movie; it’s a great way to raise awareness about adoption, especially from the foster care perspective. It breaks down stereotypes and gets people talking about trust, trauma, patience, and healing. It makes a process that is often misunderstood more human, which is the most important thing to see adoption from the eyes of the children.
For our team at Michael & Russell, the movie confirms what we already know: that family is not defined by biology, but by commitment, consistency, and love. In our line of work, we witness this on a daily basis, which is why we are so committed to helping families throughout the adoption process, from the initial consultation to the moment a clerk or judge declares, “You’re officially a family.”
Helping You Write Your Own Adoption Story
Adoption is a legal process, yes, but it’s also a deeply emotional one. That’s why we approach each case with both precision and compassion. Whether you're navigating foster care adoption, private domestic adoption, stepparent adoption, relative adoption, readoption in the US, or assisted reproduction, our firm is here to provide not just legal support, but personal guidance through every step.
At Michael & Russell, PLLC, we don’t just handle cases, we help build futures. Because, as the judge in Instant Family so perfectly said, the rare moments we get to smile in this work... they mean everything.
If you're thinking about adoption or simply want to learn more about what the journey looks like in North Carolina, we’d be honored to speak with you. You bring the love—we’ll help with the law.
Michael & Russell, PLLC
5008 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
📞 (910) 255-5722
Source(s):
Anders, S. (Director). (2018). Instant family [Film]. Paramount Pictures.