Is it possible for my fiance to adopt my kids after we get married?

Question

Their 'real' mom has not seen or spoken to the kids since the day my youngest was born. She signed off parental rights 2 years ago.

My kids are 4 & 7 and they both love the idea of having a real mom at last, and my gf is great with them they want to start calling her mom.

Do we have to be married a certain amount of time or can we go ahead once we're married?

We live in CA.

Answer 1

I think that if the real mom has signed off all rights that you can petition for adoption as soon as the marriage is recorded by your local municipality.

Answer 2

I think in CA you have to be married for two years before a spouse to adopt your kids

Best of luck

Answer 3

Yeah you can...my sister in laws husband adopted her daughter right away..they live in Ca.

Answer 4

Yes, if the mother's parental rights have been terminated then once you marry you can see a lawyer about your new wife adopting your children.

and I don't imagine that there is a time limit in CA.  Brad Pitt was allowed to adopt Angelina Jolie's adopted children and they aren't even married.

Answer 5

Yes, she may adopt your children as her own once you are married, or before. I've heard of people doing it all the time. My cousins did.

Answer 6

Depending on the state, you don't even have to be married.  Check your courthouse, or call a lawyer.  They'd know better than anyone here, unless you can find someone in your state who has been in a similar situation.  Good luck!

Answer 7

If the biological mother legally signed off her parental rights there should be no reason to stop your new wife from formally adopting the children.  I would check with the family court just to be sure.  My biggest concern is can she do it now or wait until after the marriage.  I do not believe she can start the process before then.