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Adoption Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: My daughter She has recently provided me with some videos (evidence) of her being abuses by her aunt a cpsworker glennco

She has been adopted in 2010 but now wants to live with Me She continues to run away

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 13, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear that your daughter has suffered abuse. This is a very serious situation that requires immediate attention. Here are some steps you can take under California law:

1. Report the abuse: Contact the local police department or sheriff's office to report the abuse....
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Family Law and Adoption for Florida on
Q: My nephew over stayed his ESTA visa by 8yrs. He is now 16yo, i want to adopt him. He’s been living with me for 4 years,

I have my residential lease from company listing him as joint resident with me. I am divorced. Can I adopt him so he can stay and continue his education?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

Adopting your nephew, given his current situation of having overstayed his ESTA visa by a significant amount of time, involves navigating complex legal territory. It's crucial to understand that adoption laws vary by state and can be influenced by the specifics of the individual's... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Family Law and Adoption for Florida on
Q: My nephew over stayed his ESTA visa by 8yrs. He is now 16yo, i want to adopt him. He’s been living with me for 4 years,

I have my residential lease from company listing him as joint resident with me. I am divorced. Can I adopt him so he can stay and continue his education?

Ghenadie Rusu
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

I recommend consulting with an immigration attorney to determine if your nephew qualifies for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). This status provides a pathway to legal residency in the United States for children who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected by one or both parents.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Child Support for Ohio on
Q: In the state of Ohio can your friends parents kick your friend out when 18 and still in high school(current junior)?
Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Feb 26, 2024

Tricky question. Technically a parent has an obligation to parent a child until they emancipate. That usually happens when the child is both 18 AND a high school graduate. This may be further complicated if a parent is receiving child support on behalf of that child. This question does not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: I need help getting my cats back that were given away by someone else who has no rights to them surrendered them an

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Texas on
Q: If I file a non suit for a family civil suit will I still have to go to a hearing to grant the non suit?

The family civil suit is an adoption/Termination of parental rights. I filled a motion to transfer to move the case from on county to another due to moving and a hearing was set in the county four hours away. I cant go to the hearing and want to just nonsuit the case and restart everything in the... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 23, 2024

Yes, you can. And it actually makes sense if you haven't gotten very far in the process yet in the original county. If the case is transferred, you will likely have to pay a new filing fee for the new county anyway. You will, however, have to pay again to issue citation and serve the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for California on
Q: Could you please clarify the roles of the various attorneys in this child dependency case?

I want to understand how they collaborate and ensure everything is handled appropriately

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

In a child dependency case in California, several attorneys play critical roles, each representing different parties involved in the case. The child or children in question are represented by a child's attorney, appointed to advocate for their best interests and legal rights throughout the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Utah on
Q: If a friend is pregnant and wants to give you custody of her baby, what legal action,if any, do u need to do.

Do you have to go through an adoption agentcy or does she just sign over custody?

Jason F. Barnes
Jason F. Barnes
answered on Feb 20, 2024

As to your question in general, it comes down to what you want to do.

1. Temporary custody: This allows you to have custody of the child for a limited period, typically up to 6 months. However, it can be revoked at any time by the birth parents. Drafting this document requires meeting...
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2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Utah on
Q: If a friend is pregnant and wants to give you custody of her baby, what legal action,if any, do u need to do.

Do you have to go through an adoption agentcy or does she just sign over custody?

Jason F. Barnes
Jason F. Barnes
answered on Feb 20, 2024

Follow up...

I want to emphasize that if the child was born outside of Utah, or if the birth mother is not from Utah, in any scenario, please note that such circumstances introduce a complexity that can only be adequately addressed in a consultation with an attorney (and one whose practice...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Support for New York on
Q: Can my adopted Mom kick me out since I’m 19 now?

I was adopted when I was a preteen. My mom is a single woman, it’s just her, my 4 biological siblings and I in the house. Ever since I turned 18, my mom has been advocating that I need to be out on my own. She has “kicked me out” multiple times, the longest only lasting a month. As time goes... View More

Ms. Norka M. Schell
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answered on Feb 9, 2024

In the state of New York, parents have a legal obligation to provide support for their adopted children until they reach the age of 21. This means that even when a child turns 18, parents are still required to provide financial assistance for their education, medical expenses, and other necessities... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Support for New York on
Q: Can my adopted Mom kick me out since I’m 19 now?

I was adopted when I was a preteen. My mom is a single woman, it’s just her, my 4 biological siblings and I in the house. Ever since I turned 18, my mom has been advocating that I need to be out on my own. She has “kicked me out” multiple times, the longest only lasting a month. As time goes... View More

Katherine Lee McArthur
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answered on Feb 9, 2024

In order to get an answer, look up you nearest Legal Aid office, where indigent citizens can obtain legal advice on certain types of legal matters. Most states have law that allow a parent to no longer support an able-bodied adult, after a statutorily fixed age, which is usually 18. If a special... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Hi, I am looking for a way to adopt my grandson I have full custody of him. I am looking for bro lawyer
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 5, 2024

Many family law attorneys handle adoption cases. Assuming your grandson's parents are dead, an adoption proceeding should be relatively simple. If either parent is still living, it becomes a little more complicated if the living parent(s) is agreeable to the adoption. If there is one or... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Wrongful Death for California on
Q: My son passed away years ago. He was 1. Blunt head trauma I believe was what the investigators told me and the father.

No one was taken to jail. During the whole investigation I was pregnant. The case was going to remain open. When I delivered my baby social services came in and placed my daughter in orangewood. Because they claimed we were unfit parents. I was17 at that time was new to the system and no one really... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 3, 2024

You can search the court records for your name to see if a lawsuit was filed on your behalf. However, if you have lost contact with your attorney, it is highly unlikely that a settlement was achieved, even if a lawsuit was filed. Attorneys generally don't have authority to enter into... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Wrongful Death for California on
Q: My son passed away years ago. He was 1. Blunt head trauma I believe was what the investigators told me and the father.

No one was taken to jail. During the whole investigation I was pregnant. The case was going to remain open. When I delivered my baby social services came in and placed my daughter in orangewood. Because they claimed we were unfit parents. I was17 at that time was new to the system and no one really... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 3, 2024

In California, if you have lost touch with an attorney who was handling a significant case for you, there are several steps you can take to reconnect or to find out the status of your case. Given the serious nature of your situation, understanding your options is crucial.

First, you could...
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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Kansas on
Q: Is it possible for a biological mother to Precede in adopting her biological child, while child still awared of to state

I found my son could it be possible the biological mother wanted to revoke having to sign her rights over due to complicated situation's

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 30, 2024

In Kansas, a biological mother may have the possibility of adopting her biological child, even if the child is currently in the custody of the state, under certain conditions. This process typically involves the mother demonstrating a significant change in circumstances or improvements in the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: I have temp custody of my step children the mother has missed a lot of court ordered supervised visits is that abandoned

I am the stepmother who has temporary custody and the children. The mother has messed a year and a half of visits with one child, and eight months of visits with the other, trying to figure out if that’s considered abandonment.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 30, 2024

In Ohio, the situation you describe may potentially be considered as a form of abandonment, particularly given the significant amount of time the biological mother has missed court-ordered supervised visits. Abandonment in child custody cases often refers to a parent's failure to maintain... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Adoption and Probate for Texas on
Q: My uncle adopted me as his son in 2008 in Turkey. And he was a US Citizen. Now he passed away and his wife kicked me out

J

Isaac Shutt
Isaac Shutt
answered on Jan 28, 2024

Yes, you should hire a Dallas probate attorney as soon as possible. At a minimum, a probate attorney could research the probate court's records and then make recommendations to you for how to proceed.

If your father had a valid last will and testament, it's possible he gave...
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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: I’m seeking legal guidance regarding my sons’ non-relative care placements. False information about my background check

Additionally, my kids were placed out of county without a court order, neglecting the involvement of Native American tribes as required. Misinformation has also been provided, such as implying a restraining order against my kids’ father could influence their return. How can I address these legal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

Addressing these concerns starts with ensuring that all legal requirements, especially those pertaining to child welfare and Native American tribes, are being followed. If your children have Native American heritage, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) requires specific procedures to be followed in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Constitutional Law and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: May an adult sue a parent for lying about their paternity in federal court?

My biological parent told me not to tell her that he was my dad because she would get mad. He's now deceased we never had a relationship because of her selfishness. She had her husband adopt me and although I put my birth name on my children birth certificate application my adopted surname is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

Yes, it is possible for an adult to sue a parent in federal court for lying about their paternity, but there are some key considerations.

The legal grounds would be something along the lines of intentional infliction of emotional distress or fraud. Lying about biological paternity could...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Ohio on
Q: I am raising my grandchild,I have custody, dad's been in prison 95% of his life ,I want to move to Florida,from Ohio

Mother's moving with me, grandmother on father's side has grandparents rights too ,does she lose her rights ,child 8

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jan 24, 2024

I would frame the question like this; should a child lose their right to have a meaningful relationship with the grandparents simply because their guardian is moving? You will need to have an attorney review the full order granting you custody. Often, when another grandparent has been formally... View More

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