Bad idea. There is just too much emotion associated with parents and children that such an arrangement would probably leave to hard feeling all around and you losing your friend.
Also, you are not all that set up to do this. Engaged doesn't mean married. Getting a place "some time next year" doesn't mean you have one. Which parent is going to be left holding the bag if you don't get a place?
2007-12-09 17:26:16
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answer #1
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answered by cattbarf 7
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Ok... I met my hubby when I was 18, he was 24. He had an 18 month old daughter whose mother left her at 13 months. She started calling me mommy... Anyways, this past March I adopted her. In Texas if the parent has not had contact or paid child support for six months, there are grounds for adoption. In our case, when the papers were sent to the birth mother, she ignored them which forfitted her rights.So, if the dad is willing to sign over the rights, you have a really good shot. It seriously took five minutes in the courtroom, they took a pic of us together, and I was her mom. She is six now. I have all of the rights. Let me know if you have more questions... Also, we had to get a lawyer that wrote up all of the papers, etc... that cost us about 2,000 bucks...And we had to have a home study, where a lady comes to the house and makes sure I was a "fit" mother to adopt
2007-12-09 12:35:06
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answer #2
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answered by SophiaIsDueAugust26 3
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First of wait until you have been married for at least a year.
Second you have to be 21 years old to adopt.
But I think its great what you are doing just make sure its best for the baby, make sure that she can't get an inheritance or something from her real father first. Because once you adopt her she legally can't get anything from her real father anymore. Good Luck!
2007-12-09 12:37:42
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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You have to get married first. If you are still living in parent's home, a judge won't grant it unless you can show that you are saving money for a home of your own. So, moving out is a good thing. You will still need an attorney, but if the father is willing to give up his rights, your chances are very good.
2007-12-10 14:08:00
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answer #4
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answered by CarbonDated 7
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BPD is correct. Not all the laws in every state are the same. In TX they may have abandonment laws that enable a spouse to adopt without a TPR but in TN there are no laws for child abandonment instead an add is placed for 6 weeks or so and if the missing parent does not respond his./her rights can be terminated without their consent. Also some states require you to be married other do not. Some even have a set time period you must be married for in order to adopt or laws about housing.
I would suggest making an appointment with an adoption lawyer for a simple consult and asking him how to best do this. With the father not fighting it or causing problems it will make it easier.
Also despite what others may say to you in my opinion having been adopted by my mother's husband who loved me and treated me like his own flesh and blood I tell you it is a wonderful thing you are wanting to do. It says something to a child when you love them enough to choose that path. It means a lot to me that he loved me enough to want me to be his daughter in all ways. It was hard enough knowing my bio-father didnt want me and the adoption didn't erase the hurt that cause but somehow it felt good to be wanted in that way. Good Luck
2007-12-10 07:24:33
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answer #5
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answered by Petra 5
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In most states you can adopt regardless of the absent parents wishes assuming they are not active in the childs life, made no effort to support the child,etc, though it takes more time. Many states require you to be married for a period of time usually a year or more or pay for an adoption homestudy. I would suggest talking with an attorney in your area that specializes with adoption.
2007-12-09 16:19:18
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answer #6
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answered by Lorelei 3
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You’ll need to get attorney. So far it looks good for you. The girls biological father or sperm donor has told you he doesn’t care so he will likely sign his rights over with no problem. As you said he hasn’t paid any support to this girl and has only been around her essentially when forced. You might have to wait a year to adopt but maybe they might make an acceptation since you’ve been raising this girl for 21 months you’re the only daddy she knows. Even if you have to wait a year. You can have all your paper work together so you can adopt her as soon as you can. Lets face it you already have adopted her you just have to make it legal.
Find information on Step parent adoption wherever you live.
2007-12-09 15:24:07
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answer #7
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answered by Spread Peace and Love 7
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The natural father needs to sign his rights off with a judge watching-handling the case. Then you need adopt her but you have to be married to the mother for at least 6 weeks before a judge will allow it. That is the way it is in MN. My finance and I are going to be doing the same thing.
2007-12-09 12:35:58
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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I recommend speaking to a local attorney who specializes in these types of adoptions. Each state has their own set of rules regarding adoptions and you'll just want to make sure that everything is handled properly and legally to protect all involved.
Good luck to you.
2007-12-09 16:22:31
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answer #9
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answered by BPD Wife 6
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go to a court house i think and ask them!
p.s. i think that it is totally sweet that you are concerned about her kid! that is awesome! ADOPT HER!! you'll make an awesome daddy!
2007-12-09 13:17:22
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answer #10
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answered by baby girl 2
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