[jasper32097]

I have indefinite legal guardianship of my 4 year old niece. We have had her since she was five months old. The mother has seen her twice in that time. Has not been to see her in over two years and we have not heard from her in that period as well. She has never sent the child a card or gift. She has never sent a dime to help care for her. Father has never even seen her since she has been with us let alone tried to help support her. When can I ask the courts in the state of Ohio, to take away their parental rights and let us legally adopt her? Thank you.

[martinizing2]

I would get an attorney and get on that now.

And thank God there are people like you who care enough to take the awesome
Responsibility of raising a child when they don't have to.
I will never understand how a parent can turn their back on a baby that is of their own flesh and blood.
I am reminded of those type when I see things scurry under the sink when the lights come on. JMO

You have my admiration and prayers along with my advice to obtain an attorney now.

I wish you well.

[ScottGem]

Please pay more attention to posting guidelines. There is a Read First sticky in the Children forum (where this was moved from) that directs questions of a legal nature to this forum.

You will need an attorney to prepare the adoption papers. In a case like this you want to make sure everything is done according to legal form. The issue is not terminating their rights but allowing you to adopt. An adoption, by its nature results in the termination of rights so your question should be How can we adopt, not how can we terminate rights and adopt. This may seem subtle, but your approach will leave an impression on the court and the investigating agency.

Since you have had guardianship for more than 3 years I think its about time. So start shopping around for an attorney today.