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

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answered on May 22, 2023

The actual law regarding the parent-child bond can vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances. In general, the law recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong bond between parents and their children. If your oldest child is missing and in the custody of ICW (Indian Child... View More

If she comes here to have the baby then you will most likely avoid the legal issues of multiple states and thus making it easier and cheaper for you. Kinship adoptions are a fairly simple procedure and most adoption attorneys can assist you and most of us will give a free phone consult to make sure... View More

Step parent adoptions are very common and to answer your question, and based on your given facts, probably yes. There are some avenues we often pursue to get that permitted through the courts. This is not something you will want to do on your own if you suspect resistance. Contact an adoption... View More

Yes this is correct. A child who has been adopted inherits from both the biological parent as an equal child share and from the adoptive parent as an equal child share. So long as there is not a will in which specifically omits that child - This is a combination of statutes (Title 84 of OK... View More

Arkansas Supreme Court is authority over Arkansas state matters. Could it be used as persuasive in Oklahoma, maybe but it is by no means authoritative. The Oklahoma Uniform Adoption an act applies to Oklahoma adoptions. Your question is only going to be answered by getting with an attorney and... View More

The attorney will have this (or should) - and a consent has to be given in front of a judge who normally conducts adoptions. If you need assistance most of the members on here will give a free phone consult.

This is an Arkansas case and Arkansas law. You could ask an attorney in Arkansas how it affects adoptions within their state (or connected to their state if it is an ICPC adoption). However, in general it does not affect adoptions in Oklahoma, unless Arkansas is where the baby is born, because then... View More

Not while he is your fiancé / after you get married then you can do a step-parent adoption. But the biological father will still have to give consent or you will have to prove in court why his consent is not necessary. Contact a family lawyer/adoption attorney for your best course of action.

If you know who the father is then you need to get the dna completed and then have him sign a consent to the adoption. This is much faster and easier than having to do other things when the father is unknown. Contact an adoption attorney for your best course of action.

Once the parental rights are terminated and the original adoption is approved you would have to file for adoption of the child(ren) and prove that it is in the best interest of the child(ren)

The bio dad must appear before adoption judge and consent to the adoption. His child support will terminate when the adoption is granted.

I'm at a loss as to why DHS can't find abuse. Go ahead and take him in, and see an experienced family law attorney to file for legal guardianship. Good luck.

Your case has specific details that will be best suited with an attorney rather than this forum. Most will give a free phone consultation. I suggest you contact one sooner rather than later so that you can insure your rights if they in fact still remain intact.

You should contact and familY and adoption attorney to best evaluate your specific scenario. However, I would suspect they could negotiate a term for your consent to waive anything in arrears. While this is not guaranteed if an awoc is being pursued, it could be something pursued through a consent... View More

The first step is to file a claim form with Unclaimed Property. After a caseworker is assigned to your case, they'll instruct you on the documentation needed to release the funds. I would recommend reaching out to an attorney for further help if the caseworker tells you that you need to show... View More

Since an adopted child still receives a childs portion of the estate of biological parents, I would send them notice in this matter as well. However, you can send it via certified mail and this is cost less than the sheriff/process server.

Children (minors) cannot just be given away legally, more specifically the parental rights still remain with the parent. There are legal avenues that can be taken.

You would have to discuss this with your legal guardian.

Short answer, no. In order for him to adopt then you would have to be married and file a step-parent adoption. Contact an adoption attorney to fully explain things.