View Full Version : Can a mother just sign over custody to a family friend?
VioletPerry143
Oct 29, 2013, 09:57 PM
Is it possible for the separate parties to write up an agreement, giving that each biological parent willingly signs over rights pertaining to the child? The mother has given up her all her children and because this child is also a boy she is giving him up. Is there any way possible to avoid the courts, like just getting a notarized document stating she is granting them legal custody? Both parties reside in Alabama and also the family she is wanting to give him to has a cousin that used DHR to get custody of her last child.. Its quiet complicated and the courts make it impossible for a quick agreement.
smoothy
Oct 30, 2013, 04:55 AM
Its called adoption and it has to be done through the courts... otherwise the parent ALWAYS retains full rights.
One does not sign away rights to a child in any other way.
ScottGem
Oct 30, 2013, 05:19 AM
They call it legal paternity for a reason. It has to be legal. Children are not property that can just be handed around.
A parent cannot just sign over their rights to another person. They can often grant temporary guardianship. But Custody and/or adoption would need to be approved by a court.
The courts make it "impossible for a quick agreement" for a reason. They are charged with overseeing the best interests of the child and need to be sure as to what that is.