Get free answers to your Adoption legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am looking to get a dna test done on myself and a possible sibling. I am 34 yrs old and was raised by a foster mother.
answered on Dec 16, 2024
There are private businesses that do DNA testing as long as the participants are willing.
I was under the understanding I would be able to call, write, minimal visits when I got sober. That was back in 2011-2012. 2014 I got sober and have reached out multiple times through messages and other family members. I have 2 other children now that want to know their sister. Do I have any leg to... View More 
answered on Sep 25, 2024
Review and check for any explicit terms in the adoption agreement regarding your rights to contact. If you don’t have a copy of this agreement, obtaining one would be crucial. If possible, consider proposing mediation to your aunt. A third-party mediator can help facilitate a discussion and... View More
Does an employee of DCF or it's CBC entity have authority to do the performance of CPI investigations and the removing children without a warrant,to never allowing reunification.Acting as a fill in.In 2002
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 29, 2024
In 2002, employees of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Florida, including those in Polk County, were indeed involved in child protective investigations (CPI). These investigations are a critical part of the efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of children. The DCF, along with... View More
I'm not even certain its considered adoption fraud or something else however proper protocol was not followed & lies used.
This was a dependency case turned termination of parental rights/adoption. I asked the court & case manager to perform a family finding a provision to... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 28, 2024
To address concerns of adoption fraud or misconduct in a dependency case, it’s crucial to gather all relevant documentation and evidence. This includes correspondence with case management, court documents, and any records of communication between family members and case management. Documentation... View More
I've made complaints with the Attorney General,DOJ civil rights,DHHS,County Commissioners,DCF.I was reverted back to DHHS,now this as I understand it is this is the main entity to CPS & DCF and entities,so how can I expect to get a fair investigation or judicial review of their own... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 25, 2024
If you're dealing with violations of civil rights or due process, it can indeed be frustrating if you feel the entities supposed to help are not addressing your concerns adequately. It's important to remember that there are multiple avenues for complaints and advocacy, though navigating... View More
They got adopted. I called the shelter asking if they were there multiple times days after day and was told no but they were and now I'm being told they were there so I was lied too when I was trying to claim them within the 5 days they lied saying they weren't there so they wouldn't... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 24, 2024
It sounds like you're facing a difficult situation with your cats, and it's understandable that you're feeling frustrated and upset. It's essential to gather all the evidence you have that proves ownership of your cats, such as vet records, adoption papers, or photos. This... View More
He’s adopted.
answered on Jan 22, 2024
In Florida you are legally emancipated on your eighteenth birthday. You do not say if you are trying to prevent him from moving out. What you are describing is not "illegal" in any way. His being adopted does not change anything. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.
I'm waiting for placement of the child I was approved to adopt. Foster parents have filled an appeal.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 7, 2023
foster parents can be considered for adoption of a child even after another individual has been approved for adoption. The decision regarding who will adopt the child ultimately depends on the best interests of the child and the court's determination.
I need proof my now deceased grandfather was my legal guardian, he also collected my child support to his name on my behalf and I want to obtain those copies.
answered on Jun 7, 2023
Call the Clerk of Court and ask them if they have those records from that long ago. They might not have records of child support he received; you might need to subpoena such records from his bank, if you have some sort of cause of action that somehow survived any applicable statute of limitations.
I’m 17 and adopted I’ve been living with these people for about 6 year I wouldn’t even say living they won’t let me stay with them any more they put me in other locations to stay with people even to another state at one point I’ve never liked these people from the start they lie To people... View More
answered on Apr 26, 2023
A stepparent (spouse of a parent) is not the same as an adoptive parent. If you were adopted in a Florida court, you would legally be their child, and subject to their control until you turn 18. You might want to see about getting emancipated.
She used the attorney to adopt child and got “cost of living expenses “ (10k). My husband is the biological father. The ex was in jail when my husband motioned court for paternity and she wrote a letter saying he wasn’t father and that she adopted him out. After that they dismissed his... View More
answered on Dec 9, 2022
If the order of dismissal was based in jurisdiction, chances are that the court is not where the child lived at the time of the adoption petition. Contact an attorney licensed to practice law in that state.
The adoption is final. Our lawyer is no longer practicing. How do we get amended birth certificate? Thank you
answered on Nov 22, 2022
The first question is did you amend the birth certificate at the time of adoption. If yes, just request a new copy. If no, you will need to go to court in the state that issued the birth certificate. Speak with a local family lawyer in that jurisdiction (location) for more specific advice on what... View More
I’m interested in kinship adoption if that is an option.
answered on Oct 17, 2022
A child of your first cousin (grandchild of your grandparents other than you or your siblings) would be your first cousin once removed (Your second cousins would be descendants of your great-grandparents.), but yes, it's possible to adopt her.
Living in Florida. I have a child that is not my ex husband's, but the child has his name by default ( as he did not physically sign the birth certificate) been divorced since the child's birth...and we've been out of communication ever since. Fast foward 10yrs, my now husband wants... View More
answered on Oct 11, 2022
Florida’s adoption law requires that the consent of both parents be given before a court can make an adoption final.
If one parent does not consent to the adoption, the court will only make the adoption final if it finds that:
✅ The non-consenting parent is unfit
There... View More
When DCF came to me out of nowhere and asked if I can take him cause the family that has him cant handle him. I have the adoption papers as well. I haven't seen my son since he was 1yrs old. I could've had my son this entire time.
answered on Oct 11, 2022
Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to know if you can still move to reverse the adoption.
The court ordered DNA when she wanted child support money. He is still not on birth certificate, but now 13 years later and his sentence is 40 years. His half sister found him in prison when their father died. Didn't even know of each other. Now she has hired him a lawyer in prison and he... View More
answered on Jul 21, 2022
If the father is in prison for 40 years then I am not sure that I understand your concern. Please speak to a local family lawyer that specializes in dependency for more specific advice.
The biological mother was in and out of jail throughout the minor childs life. The grandparents were given guardianship, since then the mother has passed , the minor child has lived with us 5 years now. Her parental father has been incarcerated her whole life. He got over a 40 year sentence. Now he... View More
answered on Jul 21, 2022
You need to look at whatever documents gave you guardianship. This is a specialized area of law. You should look for a consultation with a local attorney that does dependency. In general, the legal standard that the court follows is what is in the best interests of the child. It sounds like you are... View More
My husband wants to adopt my son. We have been married for 7 years and my son’s biological father isn’t on his birth certificate, has never met him, hasn’t made contact in over 4 years, and has never paid child support. My son is 9 years old now. When we asked for the biological father to... View More
answered on Jul 5, 2022
The court may find that the consent of the biological father is not required, but you have to give him notice of the adoption petition.
I have changed my name but I want my original birth record and baptismal cert with my family name. The adoption did not work out. Now everyone is dead mom step and dad. For emotional and mental reasons to die knowing I have been reunited with my family with my true Id returned to me. Can someone... View More
answered on Jun 16, 2022
If you are looking for advice on how to find your biological parents or their relatives, this is the wrong forum for that - it's not a legal issue. Look for organizations that help people with that issue. If you locate your biological parents and wish to be adopted by them, and they are... View More
I am adopting my wife's 5 year old. We already have a daughter together. Mom is the only one that's ever had rights. The biological father has signed over his rights, isn't on the birth certificate, and there is no custody agreement. Can we finish the Florida adoption with a new Texas address?
answered on Apr 4, 2022
Yes, you should be able to. You haven't indicated if you have an attorney representing you; if so ask the attorney. If not, contact the judge's judicial assistant about scheduling a hearing, perhaps on Zoom.
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.
