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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Appeals / Appellate Law and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: On Nov 12 2024 the Appellate Court Judge ordered that my great granddaughter(currently pending adoption) shall not be

removed from NJ. On Nov 25 the adoption agency opposed decision as her guardian & ICPC and had her removed to live with adoptive parent in Georgia

How can they over rule judge's order?

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Dec 4, 2024

No competent lawyer worth his salt could answer your question without reviewing the underlying order and pleadings from the trial court and the submissions to the appellate court and its order and its statement of reasons. My suggestion is that you retain a family law attorney to review all of that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: Can my parents take my stuff i buy with my own money i worked for-My dad threatened me with a knife n beats me wi paddle

I am 16 years old and I buy my food and phone with my money and my parents keep taking it when it arrives so i was wondering if they can take my stuff even tho i buy it with my money. Also My dad threatended with a knife when i backed him up because he got close and he was heated and my counselor... View More

Kedra M. Gotel
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answered on Nov 16, 2024

I'm saddened to hear this is occurring in your household. Abuse of any kind is absolutely never condoned by the law. If your dad is chastising you by striking you with foreign objects or makeshift weapons, you should contact the authorities including your local police and local department of... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Kentucky on
Q: if an adopted child turns 18 and the parent has power of attorney can the child still leave
Rob Astorino Jr.
Rob Astorino Jr.
answered on Nov 8, 2024

Yes. However, the if the child is disabled, you could file a petition for guardianship, conservatorship, limited guardianship, limited conservatorship and/or a combination those representative roles.

"Disabled" means a legal disability, not a medical disability, and is measured...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Civil Rights for New York on
Q: Can judge and attorney repeatedly Request me to admitt guilt in a violation hearings . I didn’t want to. But I did.

I began testifying in a violation fact finding trial brought on by CPS. Suddenly, the judge stopped me and had a private meeting with attorneys. My attorney then suggested to me that I admit guilt as it is favorable to the judge I said I didn’t want to because I would be silenced and I want... View More

Howard E. Knispel
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Howard E. Knispel
answered on Nov 6, 2024

In a neglect case CPS usually requests an admission so as to try to start the Respondent to repair their relationship with the child through social services such as parenting classes, rehab or whatever is required depending on the accusations. You do not have to admit and can request a hearing.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: I asked to appeal the trial courts order and my lawyer said no what do I do?

He missed the deadline to file the appeal and will not contact me giving me any further information or case records I do not have a final order and the case has already went to appeals on the mothers request what do I tell the appeal court my attorney list the wrong contact information and I have... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Oct 31, 2024

Not all lawyers handle appeals. You need to contact an attorney who practices in the area of civil appellate law and bring them a copy of the trial court order you want to appeal. There is a time limit from when the order was signed for you to appeal, so acting promptly is strongly recommended.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: I am a 16 year old adopted child my mom keeps taking my phone that she doesn’t not pay for nor she bought.

What can I do to prevent this from happening?

Julie Fowler
Julie Fowler
answered on Oct 31, 2024

Generally, a parent can take a child's cell phone. This includes as part of a disciplinary measure or if the parent wants to limit or prohibit cell phone or social media use.

Almost every school now has a school counselor available to students to help talk about issues they are...
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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Florida on
Q: If my aunt got my child in a open adoption, can she refuse me any and all communication with my daughter?

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

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
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

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Child Custody for Ohio on
Q: The father of my son hasn’t seen, called, checked in or financially supported him in over a year. Can my Husband adopt?

We have not heard from his father in a year if not longer. I have given up on texting and calling him due to him not replying. I send pictures here and there with no response. He has never financially helped in the whole 5 years but I never asked for child support. So at this point I think it’s... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Sep 17, 2024

You can file for a step-parent adoption in your county's probate court. Because the biological father has not been involved or paid support to you in over a year (even without a support order) his consent is not required to commence the adoption. You do not need to file for abandonment.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Nebraska on
Q: I paid an attorney for my husband to adopt my grandson, who I have custody of in 2019 and still do not have the papers.

I have custody of my grandson and in 2019 I paid a lawyer over $500 for my husband to adopt him. The lawyer guaranteed me that we would be in front of the judge before adoption month, November 2019. We have not been in front of a judge, have not received any papers , we haven't even talked to... View More

Julie Fowler
Julie Fowler
answered on Sep 10, 2024

Most adoption cases are wrapped up within a number of months. Even cases that go to trial and go up on appeal are generally resolved in a matter of years. Thus, something isn't adding up if you hired an attorney in 2019 and the adoption case isn't finalized by now.

If you are...
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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can 2 minors my mother has temp custody of come live with me and my wife while we are petitioning for adoption/guardian

My aunt was given power of attorney of two minors who are her nieces that were removed from their home by CPS. My aunt then gave my mother temporary custody. CPS is saying the case is closed, parental rights are severed, and my aunt no longer has POA since signing over temp custody. The question is... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Whoever has been appointed managing conservator of the children can consent, orally or in writing, for the children to live with you.

That consent will not, however, accomplish certain goals like enabling you to enroll the children in a public school, consent to medical treatment, consent...
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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Louisiana on
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... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Aug 12, 2024

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... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Divorce and Family Law for Nevada on
Q: Are we able to get divorce & custody documents signed & notarized by different notaries in different states?

My partner is getting a divorce , we live in Nevada & her husband lives in Washington state. Can we avoid having to make the trip up to Washington , by notarizing the documents here on the mothers behalf & then send the documents to Washington & have her husband also notarize separately... View More

Jennifer Setters
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answered on Jul 31, 2024

As an attorney, I can provide some general information, but for specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact us at 702-979-1455 or visit our website at www.gastelumattorneys.com.

In divorce cases where the spouses reside in different states, it is often possible to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for California on
Q: Can an adoption be transferred to another state post adoption? If not, how do I ensure services are provided?

My 2 children were adopted out of the foster care system in Nevada although we live and have always lived in California. Now my child has several needs that should be provided for from Nevada but since we're not there they offer no other support other than a support allowance and medicaid... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 24, 2024

Adoption agreements typically cannot be transferred to another state post-adoption. However, there are ways to ensure your child receives the necessary services. First, you can contact the Nevada agency that handled the adoption to clarify the support they provide and any potential resources... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Ohio on
Q: Can I win against an adoption petition?

I pay my ordered child support, but haven't seen my kids in almost 9 years. Their mother prevented contact. I know I should have filed for visitation long ago. My kids want nothing to do with me. What should I do?

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Jul 3, 2024

You are in a very tough position. A biological parent's consent is not needed for a step-parent adoption if they have had less than de minimus contact with the minor children for more than one year without reasonable excuse. A court will have a hard time concluding that your failure to file... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for California on
Q: Hi I’m currently in a pickle with guardianship over my younger sister she’s soon to be 3. and is in my aunts care.

At the moment, I want custody of her but have been told by social worker that they normally don’t remove the child from the home if they have been in the persons care for over a year.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 25, 2024

Thank you for sharing your situation. It sounds like you're dealing with a complex guardianship issue regarding your younger sister. Here's some general information that may be helpful:

1. California law does consider stability and continuity in a child's living situation as...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Child Support for Oklahoma on
Q: Why would a lawyer say it’s not ideal to get engaged for a custodial battle

Boyfriend will not propose because his lawyer told him it will negatively affect him in a child custody trial, is that correct? However, his lawyer has not stayed in consistent contact with him (it’s been a month and a half since they last spoke) nor has done anything to move the case forward for... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 24, 2024

Generally speaking, showing a stable, consistent home environment is desirable in almost all custody cases. An engagement and impending marriage introduces change. The nature and degree of that change can be a negative factor in a custody case. Everything depends on the particular facts and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption for California on
Q: Can A US citizen stepfather adopt the US citizenstepdaughter of A US citizen wife wo permission from illegal bio father.

The father is in prison and will be deported in a few months.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 13, 2024

The adoption process in this situation can be complex due to the biological father's citizenship status and incarceration. However, it may be possible for the US citizen stepfather to adopt the US citizen stepdaughter without the biological father's consent under certain circumstances.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Colorado on
Q: CPS is involved with my sister’s children. My sister wants to sign custody of her children over to me. Can she do that ?

The youngest child’s father is not involved and never has been and doesn’t want anything to do with his son. The older two children’s Father also will sign custody over to me.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 8, 2024

In situations involving Child Protective Services (CPS), the process of transferring custody can be complex. While your sister and the children's fathers may agree to grant you custody, the final decision will likely involve CPS and the court system. Here are a few important points to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: If child pertective services has you come to there office to sign some papers and then has a officer in the same room

And after signing those papers the hhs tells you by the way this office has something to say and I was arrest for a warrant

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 4, 2024

If you had a warrant, I'm unsure there is anything legally you can do about it as the police can execute it any time or place. Same thing could have happened if you were to appear in court on the CPS matter; they could have taken you into custody then.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Can cps use a 16 year old case in 2023 to remove a child from there home

Can cps drug test a parent if there not on proll or probation or because of a 16 year old case

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 4, 2024

I understand your concern, but I want to provide some important context first. CPS (Child Protective Services) operates under state-specific laws and guidelines. Their primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of children. CPS investigations and actions are typically based on current... View More

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