Q: What are our next steps for adoption of my nephew who we have had sole custody of for a little over a year?
My husband and I have had sole custody of my nephew for a little over a year after my sister’s death. There was no father listed on the birth certificate or in his life, but attempts were made by the courts to locate the supposed father at the time custody was awarded. He never came forward and has not attempted contact since.
If we proceed with adoption, will they attempt to contact bio dad again? I’m concerned because he is a very violent individual and I don’t want to invite him into his life unintentionally.
Since we already have had custody, is the adoption something I can handle on my own or will I have to hire an attorney? This situation has already cost us so much money, but we do want to adopt.
A: Here's my suggestion---it sounds like you do not have an attorney and you suggest that cost may be a fact-----I do not know if you previously consulted with an attorney, however my recommendation is that you set up an appointment with an adoption attorney for the purpose of a consultation----there are several attorneys in the Livingston/EBR area whose primary area of practice is adoptions----anyway, set up the consultation for the purpose of discuss the specifics of your matter and ask the specialist about the process to adopt your nephew and the pros and cons of hiring an attorney for the remainder of the process. Good luck.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
