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get a lawyer
Most states do require that a lawyer consult and some take the state subsidies as full payment. I would call a lawyer and get advice , most will answer your question over the phone as to if one is necessary in your state. Legal papers have to be filed in the county where you live and CFS does not do that . It must be handled by an attorney. The state pays all legal fees but you do have to represented by counsel.
I wish you the best with adopting your niece. We are adopting our 2 nieces through the foster system . The girls have lived with us for 4 years now and we would not think of letting them go . Their mother is my 1/2 sister and she is in and out of prison and drug rehab and has not had anything to do with them in 4 years and not even gone to court , except to sign waivor of rights. Then it took 3 hearing dates being set and subpeonas to get her there to sign. Their father is in prison for life and so I know what you are going through , its not easy for the child and I wish you both the very best.
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