Is there a program that helps financially with the adoption fees of a blood related child?

Question

I have legal custody of my sister's 4 year old daughter. She was going to put her up for adoption at birth and I've had her since day one. I have been mommy to her all her life and my son and daughter have been her brother and sister from the beginning. My sister gave up all rights to her when she was 3 months old and the father is unknown. I would like to legally adopt, so that she may carry our last name and would like to do this before she starts school, so that she doesn't have to learn a name she isn't familiar with. (She has always called herself my my last name and doesn't know any different.) We started our through DHR as my sister had a serious drug and alcohol problem. We have been discharged from the state when I was given legal custody of her at three months old. I wondered of there was a program that would assist in the cost of a legal adoption as I've heard it will cost around $2000 in legal fees. Any input on the subject would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Talk to Child Services in your county. They should have a program there.

Answer 2

Check around with different family attorneys. I know some do adoptions for lower fees just because they find it more enjoyable than the divorces and custody battles they usually deal with. Some also may be willing to do it pro-bono as most attorneys do some pro-bono work.

Also, less work will be involved since your sister has already relinquished and you already have guardianship, so your fees may be lower due to that. Many attorneys do free consultations, take advantage of them!

Answer 3

u can go to court house nearest u and go to juevinal and ask 4 papers it cost $6.00 4 paperwork and then just what it cost to get papers signed. should not cost very much maybe couple hundred

Answer 4

I don't know if you are a member of a church but sometimes they will take up a gift offering on your behalf to help with these types of issues.

Also check with the Dave Thomas Foundation. I know they are huge advocates for adoption through foster care.

http://www.davethomasfoundationforadopti...

Answer 5

You could do a search to see if there is a Legal Aid office in your state or area.  I looked up Legal Aid of Tennessee and there was a main office in the town next to me.  They go by income.  This is what my husband and I are going through.  We qualified for help and they set me up with a lawyer.  All we had to pay for my husband to adopt my son was the court filing fees.  $150.  Normal price around here is $1000 for a family adoption.

We are doing it now for the same reason.  My son has my maiden name as his last name and I want him to have our last name before school starts so he doesn't get confused.

Good luck!

Answer 6

contact your social services again.  They may still consider her as a "foster or kinship" child and adoption that way costs nothing.

Answer 7

our adoptive fees were a bit higher than that, we live in ohio.

Look up the Job and faimly services in your area and call them, they would know whats local.

Catholic charities helped some what.

Answer 8

Try doing a fund-raiser. It would help a lot. May God Bless you for doing such a great thing.  I wish we could adopt but i cant afford these agencies fees...