Get free answers to your Adoption legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I was born outside of marriage, and then my father signed an "affidavit of legitimation" after he married my mother. Per Rhode Island law, this document is sealed and Vital Records will only issue copies of it with a court order. I am applying for recognition of inherited Italian... View More 
answered on Mar 28, 2019
Dual citizenship is a special status and probably worth investing with an attorney to assist you. Your chances of success will be much better with a professional advocating on your behalf.
answered on Feb 16, 2019
See: http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/questions/adoption_questions.php
and http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/adoption.php
Adoption Subsidy Questions should be directed to Lee Sperduti at (401) 528-3484.
Lee.Sperduti@dcyf.ri.gov
answered on Sep 19, 2018
You may have a flag in the DCYF system. If they open a case for this child retain an attorney to assist you.
I have raised my daughter since the week she came home from the hospital after being born. I may not be her biological father, but all she knows is I'm her daddy. Her biological father is not on the birth certificate and has not had contact with my wife since she was about 3 months pregnant... View More
answered on Jul 18, 2018
Help your wife hire an attorney to best advocate for the interests of the child. There will likely be DNA testing and multiple court hearings required.
My ex has not seen my daughter in 8 years my fiance wants to adopt her once were married. My daughter has no desire to see or speak to her father and I have sole custody with all decision making as well as a restraining order all done thru Florida. We now live in Rhode island and I have no idea... View More
answered on Dec 5, 2017
It is critically important for you to get the location of the biological father so he can be given notice of your intention to adopt the child. Meet with an attorney fluent in adoption and retain them to assist you.
Basically, I was in a pretty bad relationship that resulted in the pregnancy of my ex girlfriend. Although my son is due in June, she continues to consume wine. Even before the pregnancy while she was breastfeeding her daughter, she would consume wine and other types of liquor. She even smoked a... View More
answered on Feb 20, 2017
Custody matters are complex and best addressed with the assistance of a professional. Look for, and retain a family court attorney, to make sure you case is presented well.
I have always been involved with them since before birth- extremely close to them. They are close to my 19 month old son. I have not meet the foster family/ adopted family. What are ways that I can legally protect us to make sure that we will always have contact? I live in CT
answered on Aug 24, 2015
Work with the attorneys and case worker to see if provisions can be made for you to stay in contact.
I'm getting married in October 2015. My fiancee wants to adopt my 5 year old son once we're married. However, my fiance is not my son's biological father. My son's father lives across the country and has never once seen him, helped with him, paid child support, anything. But I... View More
answered on May 12, 2015
If you qualify for free legal services, you may well find an attorney to assist you through Rhode Island Legal Service or the Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer Program. If you can afford to hire an attorney, that would be your best avenue. Adoptions are rather a specialized area of practice and the... View More
answered on Feb 5, 2015
UN-adopted children become wards of the state and are likely to end up in the custody of DCYF. This may not be the optimal situation and the Judges in the family court are not generally inclined to leave a child "parent-less" excepting some extreme situations. Meet with A family Court... View More
How difficult is representing myself? Would my ex (who is in a rehab facility) need to appear or would a notarized signature be sufficient?
answered on May 22, 2014
Yes, you are free to represent yourself. Sadly, it won't be very easy as you are likely not familiar with the policies and procedures of the courts. Engaging a professional attorney to assist you in navigating the courts ways will be far more efficient and effective. The fees for legal... View More
My daughter has had legally guardianship of my grandkids once my other daughter was tpr'd.. She has since they were young doing well but is unable to petition for guardianship.. At this point her sister has three young children of her own and I would like guardianship
answered on May 22, 2014
Meet with a family court practitioner to review the situation and assist you in making the modifications you desire.
My friend is pregnant with her fifth child. She wants me to adopt so the child can have a better life. She has lost custody of her four children and they are currently in state care. What is my first step in making this happen. She is due in August. Is there any way to make this a private closed... View More
answered on May 14, 2014
Call an attorney to set up a private meeting and retain them to assist you in the process of adopting the child after it is born.
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