How to adopt a family members child?

Question

I have a 4 year old child living with me & his mother has agreed to give my husband & me custody. We are looking for a low-cost attorney who can get us custody & an adoption finalized. Are there any resources? We make decent money but its in the thousands!

Answer 1

You don't even need a lawyer. All you need is papers drawn up that the mother will sign legally giving you custody. Its an easy process so long as the mother is willing. It cost three to five hundred. Its called signing away rights and once the mother does that, there is no need for adoption. I had my ex do this for me and if you would like more information or need help feel free to email me at [e-mail]

Answer 2

Assuming that BOTH of the child's parents will give up their parental rights voluntarily, it should not cost you thousands of dollars to adopt.  You do not mention the child's father only the child's mother.  Is he also willing to give up his parental rights?  If he decides that he does not want you to adopt his child, then it could cost thousands of dollars to get termination of his rights if he gets serious about fighting it.  You really need to have an attorney assess your particular situation.

Answer 3

You do need a family lawyer. We adopted our daughter from a family member and we had to get a lawyer and do a home study. It cost us a total of 501.00. You go and find a family lawyer and they will do the paper work for you and then turn it all into the court for you. Just look for a family lawyer and they will help you.

Answer 4

1.) this is all done in probate court so you should go to your local probate court and talk with the clerk.

2.) if the parents are willing to give you custody of the child you can go and file guardianship papers before you file for termination and adoption that way you have legal custody (which you need in the event of an emergency, etc).

3.) Next you would file for adoption and termination of parental rights.

If the parents of the child are not consenting, you truly do need an attorney to assist you in demonstrating how living with you and terminating the rights of the parents is in the best interest of the child.  You can try to do it yourself, without an attorney, but it can be a difficult and emotional process and might be best to not try to do so without support.

If the parents are consenting, they can stand before the judge and tell the judge why they are giving their child to you (as long as it doesn't look like a private adoption contract where you are paying the mother money) the judge is likely to say ok.

Best of Luck to you.

Answer 5

be sure to have it done in front of a notary. to make it binding.

a few Google searches can likely find a form that can be worked to your liking and include anything you all find important to your situation.

Please remember to be SURE to cover all bases including the birthfather signing as well Just incase anyone decides later they want to be parents after all. not saying it will but there has been many who have dealt with this.

There should be a form letter somewhere try some adoption boards There are many possible out here or possibly family law message boards someone is sure to be able to give you a copy of a form letter