[javanek]

Greetings, All!

I have been searching for information on the process of adopting my two step daughters and so far haven't found much useful information. I've looked at the OKDHS site and everything there seems to be focused on adoption children in their custody. I've Google'd everything I can think to and can't come up with much outside of agencies and attorneys. Checked FAQs and overviews for step parents building families. Good information but nothing on where to start.

The only bit of info that I have found of real use (outside of this forum) is that there is a one year waiting period before I could adopt the girls. While this is something, there was no further information on what the process is or who I need to contact.

Do I have to use an attorney? Is DHS who I need to contact first? Are there standard forms that can be used? Not to sound negative, but it's almost enough to make a person just say to heck with it before they get started.

Simply put, they are not my wife's kids, they're my kids too. Even if I wasn't in their life for the first 10 years. We have discussed adoption for quite some time and while I know it's going to take some effort, it's what both my wife and I truly desire.

Just need to know where to start getting some real information. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!