i got married again and my now husband wants to adopt my kids. i have sole custody of my kids and i was told that i don't need my ex if i have sole custody. we live in louisiana and don't have very much money to be spending on a lawyer. could someone please tell me where i can find someone?
2007-08-21 18:03:11 · 9 answers · asked by louiseguillory 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Some lawyers do cases that are called " Pro-Bono ". This means that they will handle your case at no charge. You will have to go in and check on it. Don't make phone calls, get up personal so that they can see you need help...
2007-08-21 18:07:33 · answer #1 · answered by Bigeyes 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Whover told you that was wrong. It could be done but that would require an inordinate amount of time, money and effort to prove without a doubt that you did everything possible to contact the father. That would be the only way to protect yourself and your children. At that still might not be enough in the long run.
Things happen and when it comes to kids you have to consider ALL possibilities as a parent. Without the birth father signing many things can happen. The kids could get older and contact their father. Even if they do so as adults the father could challenge the adoption and actually sue you. Say he gets remarried or older and starts thinking about all of this. Regardless of what has transpired before if the kids are young enough HE could easily win custody back.
This is not usual and things could go horribly wrong. Sure you may wish to never have the father involved again. The court will ask why you did not seek child support regardless of the circumstances. Why would a mother completely deny visitation and basically "give" away the kids. I understand where you sit but courts think that way.
They will consider this...... say you break up with your current husband. If that happens and you seek child support he could get the adoption ruled as invalid as the actual father never agreed to it. Then when dividing money and a house, all sorts of things can happen and you will end up on the short end.
The adoption step is taken after a number of years not when you first get married. A judge will wonder why a man would be so fast to be legally responsible for a child. The way it would look is that he wants to tie you to him. He may have the best of intentions but that is the way it looks.
Either get the father to sign off or not do it at all. What impact does this have on your family if your husband is taking care of you and your kids and you are not seeking support? None.
Point is you have to think outside the box and wait until you have money to do it right.
2007-08-22 12:34:20 · answer #2 · answered by jackson 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This isn't really an area where it is a good idea to try to skimp on a lawyer or try to do yourself. If you have to wait and save up the money to accomplish this, then you should do so.
Unless the father is willing to sign off, you will still need to go to Court to terminate the biological father's rights. If his rights are terminated, he is no longer required to pay child support and has no rights to even visit the child.
If your new husband adopts the kids then even if you and he are divorced, your new husband, not the biological father, will be required to support the kids (or could possibly get custody of the kids) until they are of legal age, which is why all parties involved need a lawyer to be sure they understand exactly what they are agreeing to as it will affect them and the children the rest of their lives.
2007-08-22 01:23:03 · answer #3 · answered by bottleblondemama 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In most states, the biological parent MUST sign off on all parental rights. This also includes the responsibility of child support. I know from experience, the state of Texas is quite different.
The attorneys/ juvenile court THERE must first try to contact the parent. If not located, then it is very easy to adopt. Being in LA, you may find the laws to be somewhat similar. In other states, the foregoing of parental rights AND responsibilities is necessary in order to adopt.
If you are currently accepting support and need it, you would be forfeiting a part of your income.
2007-08-22 01:26:44 · answer #4 · answered by Mandypie 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
are you sure you don't need the permission of the father for this? he would have to sign away his parental rights for the adoption. also, if you two divorce, your husband could get sole custody of the children. also, if you divorce, if you have custody, he will be responsible for child support. it is best to ask an attorney.
2007-08-22 01:15:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call Legal aide. They help people who are low income.
2007-08-22 01:08:50 · answer #6 · answered by Death Girl Am 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go for it and what a good man you got there. Lucky you have been lucky blessed. You Go Girl! Oh and dont forget to visit our site at earthclinic.com.au just in case you ever get sick. Have a good life. And congratulations.
2007-08-22 01:08:53 · answer #7 · answered by dummdumidea 2 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Find someone to do what?
2007-08-22 01:07:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
http://www.lawhelp.org/LA/
2007-08-22 01:08:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋