My sister-in-law might have my husband and I adopt her two sons. We live in Oklahoma. What is the procedure for something like this? Do we have to go through court? Do their fathers have any rights since she was never married to them?

My sister-in-law might have my husband and I adopt her two sons. We live in Oklahoma. What is the procedure for something like this? Do we have to go through court? Do their fathers have any rights since she was never married to them?


Yes, you have to go through the Courts and both fathers have to be located, probably DNA tested to prove paternity and agree to the adoption.

Yes their fathers have rights despite their marital status to the mother. She (your SIL) will have to get all of the fathers of the children to sign over their rights to them. The adoption will not happen until they sign over their rights. Then you can either go through a lawyer, or do it yourself. Just be sure to have her get those signatures, otherwise it can cause some problems.

Here's a mini e-book type thing on the basics of adoption, what to expect, etc. Maybe it will help.

Rapid Adoption.com - Your Adoption Forms Company (http://rapidadoption.com/free_adoption_booklet.html)

GOOD LUCK!!