Adoption Questions & Answers by State
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Adoption Questions & Answers
Q: What are our chances of my husband adopting my son as his legal stepchild. As well as what are the steps we need to take
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody
for
Massachusetts
on
Answered on Dec 17, 2018
Answered on Dec 17, 2018
Lillian J. LaRosa's answer
If there are no issues involving the step father there are no chances working against you and then quite possibly biological father would be willing to consent to the adoption. You can still proceed with the adoption petition if he does not consent but it would be a longer time frame, and judging from the facts presented there is no involvement with the child and he may also have fitness issues.
If there are no issues involving the step father there are no chances working against you and then quite possibly biological father would be willing to consent to the adoption. You can still proceed with the adoption petition if he does not consent but it would be a longer time frame, and judging from the facts presented there is no involvement with the child and he may also have fitness issues.
Q: Is it okay for me to legally keep a found dog in my home?
William John Light's answer
You are entitled to a reasonable charge for saving and taking care of the animal. This would likely include a reasonable daily kenneling fee and reimbursement of your veterinary expenses. If that is offered, you would have no basis to retain the dog, but if you allege neglect, it should then be turned over to Animal Control.
Civil Code § 2080. Duties of finder
“Any person who finds a thing lost is not bound to take charge of it. . .but when the person does take charge of it...
You are entitled to a reasonable charge for saving and taking care of the animal. This would likely include a reasonable daily kenneling fee and reimbursement of your veterinary expenses. If that is offered, you would have no basis to retain the dog, but if you allege neglect, it should then be turned over to Animal Control.
Civil Code § 2080. Duties of finder
“Any person who finds a thing lost is not bound to take charge of it. . .but when the person does take charge of it...
Q: Can my x, who is remarried drop childsupport / back childsupport ?
Kristine Jones' answer
The new husband would only be able to adopt the child if the ex-husband legally terminates his parental rights. If that happened, then yes, current child support could stop.
Whether you and your husband are seeking adoption or to terminate your ex husband's parental rights, you should speak with a family law attorney in your area. Best of luck!
The new husband would only be able to adopt the child if the ex-husband legally terminates his parental rights. If that happened, then yes, current child support could stop.
Whether you and your husband are seeking adoption or to terminate your ex husband's parental rights, you should speak with a family law attorney in your area. Best of luck!
Q: The child's father died before the child was born (they were not married) - can his parents stop an adoption?
Rahlita D. Thornton's answer
This is an odd fact pattern situation. I would say consult with a lawyer to get an in depth analysis of this issue. With a little research I'm sure the answer could be had. I also would ask if the father's name was put on the birth certificate? Are the grandparents attempting to adopt? Is it your husband trying to adopt?
This is an odd fact pattern situation. I would say consult with a lawyer to get an in depth analysis of this issue. With a little research I'm sure the answer could be had. I also would ask if the father's name was put on the birth certificate? Are the grandparents attempting to adopt? Is it your husband trying to adopt?
Q: Can anyone be adopted at any age? This person is in their 50s.
James G. Ahlberg's answer
Yes, although the formal consent of the person being adopted is required if they are 14 years of age or older. The written consent must be filed with the court.
Yes, although the formal consent of the person being adopted is required if they are 14 years of age or older. The written consent must be filed with the court.
Q: do you all help with child custody in a gay relationship?
Randi Sirlin's answer
I believe that under Arizona state law, you have a de facto partnership and a family law attorney can definitely help you
I believe that under Arizona state law, you have a de facto partnership and a family law attorney can definitely help you
Q: My son is from Oklahoma and has been put up for adoption.
Pete David Louden's answer
This is going to be fact dependant. Best answer is contact an Oklahoma attorney and fully explain what has happened up to this point and then they will be able to explain your options.
This is going to be fact dependant. Best answer is contact an Oklahoma attorney and fully explain what has happened up to this point and then they will be able to explain your options.
Q: Can a harassment charge be brought against a Respondent in a TPR case?
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Criminal Law, Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody
for
Georgia
on
Answered on Dec 5, 2018
Answered on Dec 5, 2018
Ellaretha Coleman's answer
You will need to report the actions to the police to determine if it rises to the level of criminal harassment. Your post is unclear as to the frequency or content of the text messages, so we can not determine if this is harassment.
You will need to report the actions to the police to determine if it rises to the level of criminal harassment. Your post is unclear as to the frequency or content of the text messages, so we can not determine if this is harassment.
Q: Would my daughter who is 25 and single be able to adopt in Florida?
Deborah Annette Carroll's answer
Yes, a 25 year-old may adopt in Florida as long as all other legal requirements are met.
Yes, a 25 year-old may adopt in Florida as long as all other legal requirements are met.
Q: My 16 year old niece wants to live with me.
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody
for
North Carolina
on
Answered on Nov 28, 2018
Answered on Nov 28, 2018
Amanda Bowden Houser's answer
Children by definition are not capable of deciding whats best for them so you first need some sort of legitimate reason - you don't get to just step in and 'provide a more positive atmosphere'. So unless there is abuse or neglect, I advise you not to attempt to take a child away from their parent. In the event of actual abuse or neglect (not getting enough love and attention will likely not qualify) the cheapest method would be to involve DSS and offer to take the child if your allegations...
Children by definition are not capable of deciding whats best for them so you first need some sort of legitimate reason - you don't get to just step in and 'provide a more positive atmosphere'. So unless there is abuse or neglect, I advise you not to attempt to take a child away from their parent. In the event of actual abuse or neglect (not getting enough love and attention will likely not qualify) the cheapest method would be to involve DSS and offer to take the child if your allegations...
Q: Adopt my ex girlfriends son
Cary B. Hall's answer
Yes - if you adopt the child, you become as responsible financially for him as his biological father would be. My suggestion, then, is to be like a "big brother" to the kid if you want to support him, but *don't* adopt him if you have no new family unit and long-term plans with his mother.
Best of luck to you.
Yes - if you adopt the child, you become as responsible financially for him as his biological father would be. My suggestion, then, is to be like a "big brother" to the kid if you want to support him, but *don't* adopt him if you have no new family unit and long-term plans with his mother.
Best of luck to you.
Q: Father has been absent for a year and a half due to failing to comply with the court order of a drug test.
Lydia Seifner's answer
Considering that the father has been absent for so long, and did not comply with court orders, you may very well be able to get sole custody, especially if he continues to be absent and does not respond to the petition for custody.
Regarding your engagement, you and your new spouse will need to be married for six months before he is eligible to adopt the child.
Considering that the father has been absent for so long, and did not comply with court orders, you may very well be able to get sole custody, especially if he continues to be absent and does not respond to the petition for custody.
Regarding your engagement, you and your new spouse will need to be married for six months before he is eligible to adopt the child.
Q: My grand-d has lived with me & my husband since birth. Father filing for custody ??How is custody decided?????
1 Answer
| Asked
in
Adoption, Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law
for
Louisiana
on
Answered on Nov 27, 2018
Answered on Nov 27, 2018
Q: I am 17 years old and I am in foster care. I want to be adopted by my foster parent but is it possible
Timothy Denison's answer
Wait til you turn 18 and do it as an adult adoption. Then your mother can’t stop you.
Wait til you turn 18 and do it as an adult adoption. Then your mother can’t stop you.
Q: Does it sound like I have grounds for requesting joint custody with success? Terminating her rights?
Rahlita D. Thornton's answer
This is a very technical legal case. I would suggest that you consult with an attorney in your area as on its face it appears that you have good arguments for your adopting them. Good luck in this matter.
This is a very technical legal case. I would suggest that you consult with an attorney in your area as on its face it appears that you have good arguments for your adopting them. Good luck in this matter.
Q: My brother fathered twin girls and was denied any visitation by the mom of the girls and her mom later a court gave the
Rahlita D. Thornton's answer
Your brother should consult with an attorney to find out the proper answer to this question since it appears that there are a lot of other factors that come in to play to be able to respond. Contact an attorney in the county in which you reside for a more precise answer and clearer direction. Good luck in this matter.
Your brother should consult with an attorney to find out the proper answer to this question since it appears that there are a lot of other factors that come in to play to be able to respond. Contact an attorney in the county in which you reside for a more precise answer and clearer direction. Good luck in this matter.
Q: I have a girl friend that did a self adoption with another female who didn’t want her child.
Rahlita D. Thornton's answer
There are some things that need clarifying before the question is answered. Confirming that you are not married to the adopted mother? Also, what did the biological father play in this scenario? Was this "adoption" done through the courts? It is great that you want to step up and raise a child that is not your own biologically. If more information is provided I'll see if I can assist with the answer.
There are some things that need clarifying before the question is answered. Confirming that you are not married to the adopted mother? Also, what did the biological father play in this scenario? Was this "adoption" done through the courts? It is great that you want to step up and raise a child that is not your own biologically. If more information is provided I'll see if I can assist with the answer.
Q: Can be listed as a statutory heir to someone if his parental rights were taken away and I have been legally adopted?
William John Light's answer
You would have to consult with an Arkansas attorney about that. However, even if you could be included, the value of your case would be tremendously adversely affected by the lack of relationship between your father and you, at least that is how it would work out in CA.
You would have to consult with an Arkansas attorney about that. However, even if you could be included, the value of your case would be tremendously adversely affected by the lack of relationship between your father and you, at least that is how it would work out in CA.
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