How do I go about getting custody of a child when her mother is ready to sign her parental rights away?

Question

So, a young girl whom I work with has a one year old daughter whom she can no longer care for. My husband and I have been caring for her for a week and the child's mother is willing to sign away her perental rights. What is the process without hiring an attorney? What paperwork needs to be file? What is the expected time frame? Will they do a complete background search or will it be as simple as just attending a court hearing and signing paper since the mother is wanting to do this?

Answer 1

You will need a lawyer for this. There is no way around it.

Answer 2

Not to insult you.. but the LAST thing in the world you should do, is attempt this, without a lawyer.  What you describe is the riskiest thing in the world.

If she wants to release the child for ADOPTION, then that is not simply giving you custody.  The whole point is to be certain that she does not change her mind, 3 yrs down the road, and you find out then, that the papers were shaky.. and the court revokes your custody.

The only way to protect yourself AND the child.. is to have a lawyer make sure of all the loopholes, and no one is at risk.