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View Full Version : How to get started adopting my niece and nephew


Elsena21
Aug 5, 2009, 11:37 AM
My family has been struggling with my sister and her ways of raising her children. Child Services and DHS have been surveying her, and it has come down to me being the best option to take them from her to live with me and raise them. I am only 23, I work 2 jobs, and I live in a one bedroom apartment so my outlook already doesn't fair too well. But I don't know how to even start a process whether through the city, a lawyer, social services... I just don't know how to get it rolling to get them into my care.

Synnen
Aug 5, 2009, 11:50 AM
Start by getting a lawyer.

I would not recommend ANYONE attempt an adoption without a lawyer, and it sounds like your situation is complicated.

Also--if you are going for adopting the kids instead of guardianship, what does the birthfather(s) say about it?

Elsena21
Aug 6, 2009, 12:27 PM
That was my main concern, was if I needed a lawyer or not. The 2 children have different fathers, one is deceased, the 2nd plays a once a year role in the child's life. Pays no child support, and the child barely knows him. My sister has in the past threatened to give them up so I don't think it would be too pressing to get at least guardianship, but if I am doing this I am doing it all the way-no hop scotching and no games.