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Name: SMartin25

[ Original Post ]

My niece is only 13 and having a baby. She don't know who the father is. My husband and I want to adopt the baby, Does anyone know if we need to find out who the baby's daddy is and get permission from him as well? also what are the steps in adoption? I already have two of my own how will this affect them? ↓

Name: Lynmaria | Date: May 2nd, 2007 1:45 AM

Hi Smartin. Feel free to email me at [email protected]. I would definitely suggest you hire an attorney. What state are you in? I am an adoptive mom and can maybe offer you some advice based on my experiences. ↑

Name: Dreamsofchild | Date: May 2nd, 2007 10:45 PM

Has your niece asked you to adopt her child? Would be my first question? You will need a homestudy a lawyer and a lawyer for the birthmom and for the birthfather.
Best wishes
Dreams ↑

Name: Deanna | Date: May 3rd, 2007 5:24 AM

Depends on the state on whether you need a homestudy. Kin adoptions in some states are homestudy free. Also one lawyer would file all papers. ↑

Name: colleen | Date: May 3rd, 2007 10:08 AM

you have two of "your own" hmmmm, not trying to be snarky, but this child would be your own as well, how would it affect them if you had another "of your own" - i imagine just the same. I would think you should contact a lawyer after finding out if this girl wants you to parent her child. ↑

Name: tattudemom | Date: May 3rd, 2007 12:06 PM

I would definitely get two attorneys, especially in light of her age. It's always good practice for both parties to be properly represented. Also, depending on your state, she may or may not need the father's signature with her not knowing who the father is. However, I'd caution that one of the potential fathers could later claim he knew nothing of the adoption and demand paternity, file a lawsuit, and try to get the baby. So, I'd do DNA if there isn't a "grocery list" of potential fathers, get his signature, and make sure it's all legal. ↑

Name: chele999 | Date: May 10th, 2007 2:46 AM

It depends on the laws of your state. We live in NJ and here the birthmother can sign a document stating that she either does not know who the father is or simply refuses to name the father. You will have to hire and attorney and have a special homestudy done for private placements. Good luck! ↑

Name: tattudemom | Date: May 10th, 2007 2:03 PM

Something they do also in cases where there is more than one potential father is to run an ad in the paper for thirty days announcing the intent to adopt so-and-so's baby, so if you think you are the father of said baby, come forward now type of thing. It's like when you try to divorce someone who's disappeared. They give so long for the person to respond and if they don't, that's that. ↑