17 year old adoption?

Question

OK this might be a weird place to put this questions, I have a 17 year old daughter who has for the most part of her life lived with my aunt so she could go to school in the same place ( I travel for my job some) so my question is this, should I let my aunt legally adopt her?? and if so does anyone know if there is any type of finical aid that maybe she can go to college on?? Ive heard that with adoped children there is but Im not sure if they have to be a ward of the state or not, were in Tennesee if that helps I wouldnt do it except for the thought of getting her education paid for

Answer 1

there are so many financial aides and things available for different living situations.  She doesn't have to be adopted to get help with college.  If you want to give up rights to your daughter then go for it, you just wouldn't be her legal mom anymore.  At 17 though I see no reason for the adoption unless it is legally necessary but as long as your aunt has custody there shouldn't be any problems.  I wouldn't give up rights as the mom just for her to get her education paid for.  Adopted children have to apply just like other children and they may get help but so doesn't children that aren't adopted.

Answer 2

i think u shouldnt have ur kid adopted by ur aunt

Answer 3

Some states do cover college tuition for kids who've been in foster care.  They don't do this with just any adopted child, though.  This wouldn't qualify for that.

College is expensive.  We've told our kids from the beginning that even if we have bizillions of dollars that we're not paying for their college.  We'll help out but we think there are lots of valuable lessons involved in working your way through college.

Our 17 y.o. son is working two jobs during his senior year (and was over this summer, too) to save up money for college.  We've gone over all the costs and fees and he's decided to go to a junior college for the first two years and then to transfer to a four year university to finish up.  We figured out that with where he wants to go to college, he'll be saving about $20,000 doing it that way.

About financial aid for college, get a copy of a FAFSA so she can see what she'd qualify for.  Go here

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

for more information.  Your aunt, you, and/or her guidance counselor will be able to help her fill it out.

You can also go to

http://www.fastweb.com/

and fill out the registration.  It will let you know what types of grants and scholarships might be available based on different criteria.

I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Financial aid mostly comes from how much the parent makes or does not make.  So if her aunt is not well off then she might qualify for financial aid.

Unless your daughter is on disability, her getting adopted by her aunt will not help with her getting financial aid.  

Does your daughter want to be adopted by her aunt.?  How does she feel about all this..?

Answer 5

yes, they have to be a ward of the state, or adopted as a disabled child. she is eligible for student aid anyways, depending on your income. (or your aunt's if she adopts her) And you can always take out a student loan for her.

Apply here: