Can I adopt my girlfriends children after father gives up parental rights?

Question

We live in Indiana and plan on getting married in a year or so. But I would like to adopt the kids before then.

Answer 1

Yes.  Once the TPR is done on him, you are free to adopt.  However, it would help your cause if you wait until after the wedding.  Otherwise, you could have them in the same situation.

Answer 2

I do suggest you marry first as a step-parent adoption is less complicated and has fewer requirements. If you are not married I believe you will have to go through a homestudy and criminal background check, which are not required for stepparents in many jurisdictions. Check your state laws.

Answer 3

Yes, after the father gives up parental rights.

Answer 4

Once the father terminates his parental rights, you should be able to adopt the children.  You will want to contact an attorney to insure that you meet all of the regulations in your state.  Once the bio-father terminates his rights, any child support payments will also cease, so you will want to make sure you discuss with that with the attorney also - in the event he is behind on payments.  He should not be able to just "walk away" from that delinquent obligation because he terminates his rights.  

Good luck to your new family!

Answer 5

I am going through this right now. My daughter is 8yr old and her father signed over rights in March. My husband is adopting her. I also live in IN and you have to be married 1yr from what I understand. You will have to go through the entire adoption process just like any other couple. I had to fill out a medical history to give to myself and we have to have a home study from Child Services and you have to have a report from the Health Dept. saying that there is no one else claiming to be the childrens father. We have used a lawyer for the process and it has been costly. I think that you could do it without and save quite a bit money. Good Luck. If you have any more questions feel free to get a hold of me.

Answer 6

yes, once parental rights are terminated...you can adopt them.

Answer 7

Most states require you to be married to the childs mom for atleast a year or go through the expensive processs of a homestudy/counseling, etc.  Once the kids are yours legally you will be financially responsible until they are 18.  If you and their mom break up you will be required by law to pay child support, just as you would if you were their biological father.  Its a big decision to make, make sure you are ready and willing to accept the responsibility.

Answer 8

Actually, in most states you cannot adopt as a stepparent until you are married.  Some homestudy agencies require that you be married for a year before they will work with you.  Talk to an experienced adoption attorney in your state.  Also, if you are both women (a guess from your avitar), some states won't allow you to adopt.

Answer 9

Yes, you will have to get a court appointed lawyer for the child and there is alot of red-tape and rules to follow.

Kudos to you!

Answer 10

most states require you to be married

Answer 11

yup that shouldnt be a problem.

Answer 12

Yes you can without a doubt.

Answer 13

I would hold off on adopting another man's kids.  If you are going to marry the mom why do you feel you have to adopt.  Just be the best stepfather possible.  Remember, that if you adopt and that marriage does not work out you are still obligated to support those children.  Don't do it.

Answer 14

I tink that would mess up the friendship because thats like saying I'm taking your children because you dont know how to yourself.

Answer 15

I know they let unmarried couples adopt but since you are going to marry her anyway I would just wait until then.Once the natural father gives up his rights with her permission and the courts you can adopt.If you choose to adopt now and something happens before you get married then you still will be held accountable for their upkeep. My suggestion is wait because once married it is easier and also so many other things come into play like insurance and all major decisions that have to be made. By all means they can and should start calling you dad or whatever you want this way when the adoption becomes final the transition will be smoother.

Answer 16

You will have to get a homestudy just like any other adoptive parent, and qualify to adopt.  You can't just adopt.  You will also need to hire an attorney.

Cost ?

Homestudy $400-900.

Attorney $900-3000.

Why not make sure the relationship you have is going to last before you bring this child into it permanently?  The last thing she needs is another disruption!  That's why most good adoption agencies require you to be married three years or more.  Think about it.  Remember -- best long term interest of the child is always the priority.

Answer 17

as long as he severs his rights to them and you go forward with the classes & paperwork.

Answer 18

We just went through an adoption here in Indiana as well...

first of all, I want to say congrats.

There are certain paths you must travel for the adoption to take place.

First and foremost, you have to figure out where or what the bio-dad is doing. Do some research on the net. Google the putative father registry.

I could go on for hours about the things you need to do. If you are serious, you can contact me through email.

Good luck!

Answer 19

are you male or female? not that it should matter. your girlfriend would have to give up her parental rights before you can adopt if not married. Plus you would need to go through the same screening as perspective parents if she does sign her rights away. you should wait till you are wed.

Answer 20

You can adopt them if it's alright with your girlfriend.