Q: Father of my child wants to relinquish his parental rights. I am willing to accept sole responsibility, can I?
I am not married to the father of my child and As I understand the court system says I have to have someone to adopt my child; ie: boyfriend or husband. Why? I am willing and capable of taking full responsibility, I will establish a will with guardianship in case something happens to me and whatever else it will take. There are single women that can adopt and also mothers that do not fill in the fathers name on the birth certificate. So why do I have to have someone willing to adopt my child? Why can’t I just be the sole parent?
Seems like old world language in the books to me. Thanks for your insight.
A: In most circumstances people can petition a court for a single parent adoption. You should not need another person to adopt the child. There are requirements for, and consequences of, adoptions that should be discussed with an attorney before moving forward with the process.
Dustin A. Duke agrees with this answer
A: In Arkansas, you can adopt your own child. You don't need someone else to adopt the child for you or with you. Seems odd but you basically follow the adoption statute; i.e., you must be over 18, of sound mind, have no felonies on your record, be able to care for the child and a few others that most folks have. If the father will consent to all the papers, it will take a few weeks. The court will set a final hearing. The child and you must be present. Fees will range between $3500 to $6500. Sometimes folks can handle a legal issue without an attorney. For instance a traffic ticket or uncontested divorce. But an adoption will will require an attorney. Find one who will answer your questions on weekends, at night, and during the holidays.
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