Adopting my stepson.....?

Question

I am wishing to adopt my stepson. What is the process in order to do this... His father has rights to him, but would give them up my wife and I believe... Should I see my lawyer first? I would like some help on this.

Answer 1

Your safest bet is to use a lawyer in this situation. That way you know there are no loopholes, and that it is all legit.

Answer 2

TALK TO THE FATHER FIRST AND SEE IF WHAT HE THINKS ABOUT THIS HAPPENING.THEN GO AND TALK TO A LAWYER.BECAUSE SOME MAN WILL SIGN PAPERS,THAT DOES NOT MEAN HE DON'T LOVE HIS CHILD.MAYBE IF YOU TALK TO HIM AND TELL HIM HE WILL NOT BE LEFT OUT OF THE CHILDS LIFE.AND MAYBE HE WILL SIGN PAPERS ALOT FASTER.MAY MOTHER WENT THOUGH THIS ABOUT 5 YRS AGO. THE MOTHER WAS THE PROBLEM THIS TIME.WE TALKED TO HER AND WE PROMISE HER SHE COULD SEE THE CHILDREN AND CALL AND JUST BE IN THEIR LIFES.AND SHE FELT WE WERE GOING TO TAKE THE CHILDREN ALWAY. BUT I FEEL IF YOU TALK TO HIM,AND GET THING DOWN ON PAPER IT WOULD PROBLEMABLE MAKE THING ALOT BETTER. JUST HANG IN THEIR . AND IF HE IS PAYING CHILDSUPPORT,LET HIM KNOW HE WILL NOT HAVE TO DO IT ANY MORE.AND THAT THE CHILD WILL KNOW WHO HIS REAL FATHER IS.BECAUS EIF YOU DON'T AND THE CHILD FINDS OUT HE WILL HURT YOU FOR NOT LETTING HIM KNOW.....PLEAESE BE BRAVE AND WORK WITH YOUR WIFE AND HER EX AND YOU ,AND THE CHILD WITH THIS BIG THING.IT TAKES EVERYBODY TO DO THE RIGHT THING FOR EVERYBODY......

Answer 3

if he is under 18 you will need a lawyer

Answer 4

Ask the father if he would agree to the adoption and if he would agree get an attorney to draw up the adoption papers and everyone sign them and have the attorney to file them with the appropriate court.

Answer 5

I would highly recommend contacting your attorney to determine the necessary paperwork needed for your state.  You don't want to do anything (or miss something) that might affect the custody of the child later down the road.  

Good luck to you.  Congratulations to your family for the pending adoption!

Answer 6

You will need a lawyer in order to have papers drawn up seeking adoption.  The first step is getting the biological father to sign over paternal rights to your stepson.  In most states they usually have 10 days to change their minds (in Georgia they do after they sign custody over).  

The second thing you are going to have to do is have papers drawn up by your lawyer asking for adoption of your stepson.  

Once papers are filed a home study is done in which a person (not the lawyer or the judge) comes into your home and observes where you live and how you interact as a family.

Also physical are required from you and even his mother.  

When all is said and done and lawyer fees are paid then a court date will be set for you to appear in front of the judge (usually in his/her office).

The part with the judge usually only takes about 15 minutes or so with them asking you questions and the child too.

That is the process we took when my husband adopted my two children from my previous marriage.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

It really depends on what state your in. Here in North Carolina we have a self service center that gives you all the paperwork and gives you videos on how to fill it all out. Then you take it to court and file it. We are doing just that with my step daughter. I would suggest checking out your states web site and most have some type of free help with these questions. Good luck to you.

Answer 8

He will need to sign a Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights.  You will need to get an Adoption Homestudy done.  Once both are obtained, then his rights will have to be formally terminated in court, and you will finalize the adoption in court and make any name changes at that time.

Cost?  Probably $2000-4000.  Call attorneys who have experience with adoptions and ask for this breakdown in fees.

Good luck!!

Answer 9

First thing I would do is to have your spouse bring this up with the Ex. assuming the lines of communication are there. There are alot of good and bad for the Ex to allow this to go through. I would much prefer to hear this in a heart to heart conversation with my ex-spouse than from an attorney. Good luck, and be a great step-parent no matter what!