Adopting my step- daughter- probs w/ biol. mom

Question

Want to adopt step-daughter whom I've raised since 4y/o. Now 10. Birth mom has not seen her for 5 yrs, she's a drug addict w/ suicidal tendencies.

My step-daughter's aunt said if I go forth w/ the adoption, that will for sure cause her birth mom to kill herself and said "IT WOULD BE MY FAULT" which I think is BS because I think she will do anyway regardless if I adopted her or not- she's crazy.

Anyway, let's say I do adopt her and her birth mom does commit suicide, am I liable at all for that?? I'm planning on adopting her soon and her mom's family is giving me a hard time because they keep saying it will be my fault if she does something to herself.

Answer 1

No your not liable. The birth mother obviously doesn't care about her child or she would have chose a different lifestyle and been active in her daughters life. I wouldn't care about the Bio Mothers family or what they have to say. I am sure she would be blessed to have a "mother" in her life who truly cares. I hope you go through with it for the child's sake.

Answer 2

I think you are not liable at all for your step-daughter. Of course the birth mom's family would say it's your fault. They want to push all the responsibilties to you. Did you find out who wanted to give birth to your step-daughter right from the very start? Maybe it's the birth mom? Well, then she should be responsible. Or her family, since they are related to her.