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BrandiandNathen · Feb 6, 2007, 08:36 AM

Hi everyone. OK I have a 6 yr old son who hasn't seen his Bio father in 3 years. He send CS but not on a regualar basis. Well My husband wants to adopt my son. My ex wants to sign off on his rights so we are very pleased. OK how do we do this without hiring a lawyer? I have found out that we need a Affidavit Concerning Interstate Compact, Affidavit Of Self-Rep (Mine), Same for Him, Fathers Affidavit For Vol Relinquishment of Parental Rights and Order of Termination. Well Do we start the Adoption process first or the Termination? Where do I get this paperwork? Any other advice? We live in Texas. My son just wants the same last name as his daddy and mommy. Please help us.

Thanks

excon · Feb 6, 2007, 08:52 AM

Hello Brandi:

If this was the medical board, and you asked how to perform surgery on yourself without a doctor, I don't think anybody would help you.

THIS, is a similar situation, because if you do it wrong, the consequences can be very bad.

In my long life being involved with the law, I've learned one thing. (By the way, I AM pretty sharp when it comes to the law.) There are times when you can represent yourself... and there are times when you can't. Fortunately, I've accumulated the wisdom to know the difference...

You need a family lawyer. With all parties in agreement, it shouldn't cost too much.

excon

BrandiandNathen · Feb 6, 2007, 05:48 PM

Well I have been quoted about 2500 for it which doesn't include the adoption. To me this is outragous as we all want this and there is no fighting for anything. And I have to pay for all of it because he won't pay for anything. Where can I go to get the papers myself? Do I do the adoption first or the term of parental rights? I don't want a lawyer and it can be done with myself.

excon · Feb 6, 2007, 06:06 PM

Hello again, Brandi:

I agree that you could do it by yourself. I simply suggest that you don't know how.

I suggest further, that these boards are really only good for general legal questions. You, on the other hand, need detailed, case specific legal advice involving two states, in an ONGOING legal procedure.

That isn't something that can be learned from this, or any internet web site, in my humble opinion.

excon

BrandiandNathen · Feb 6, 2007, 06:17 PM

You might have me confused with someone else but its not with 2 states, Just Texas. I came on here looking for help or where to be pointed in the right direction.

excon · Feb 6, 2007, 07:05 PM

Hello again:

One state, two states - it matters little. I thought I WAS pointing you in the right direction. Clearly you didn't like it. I'll bow out now.

I'm certainly not the last word on it. There are lawyers here. Let's see what comes your way.

excon

livysmom · Feb 6, 2007, 11:46 PM

Hi -

I've never been in your particular situation (I only wish it was amicable!), but we have had to go pro se a few times and represent ourselves throughout the relentless court appearances over the past few years. My only advice is to try and work with an attorney that will do document preparation for you. Our attorney agreed to do that for us at only $10 a page. I don't know if he does that service for everyone, but he knows family law well and will usually work out a payment plan. If you live in Houston, try Frank Freeman and see if he can help. I apologize if he can't/won't - just a suggestion!

Best of luck -

yellowdvl2000 · Feb 21, 2007, 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by BrandiandNathen

Hi everyone. OK I have a 6 yr old son who hasn't seen his Bio father in 3 years. He send CS but not on a regualar basis. Well My husband wants to adopt my son. My ex wants to sign off on his rights so we are very pleased. OK how do we do this without hiring a lawyer? I have found out that we need a Affidavit Concerning Interstate Compact, Affidavit Of Self-Rep (Mine), Same for Him, Fathers Affidavit For Vol Relinquishment of Parental Rights and Order of Termination. Well Do we start the Adoption process first or the Termination? Where do I get this paperwork? Any other advice? We live in Texas. My son just wants the same last name as his daddy and mommy. Please help us.

Thanks

I went to my local probate office and here they give your child a child advocate which I think they do all over. Be prepared to have dcf come visit you. It is a long process. Mine went on for 6 months. Then they found my ex. He promised them the world and even signed papers. Then he changed his mind and said he loved his daughter and wanted to see her. That was a yr ago April 19th and hasn't seen her since. He is now in jail and I will file again.