[donnia]

We have been wanting to adopt for a long time. I am 32, my husband 31. He has a 10 year old daughter from a previous marriage that I am very close to. I am not able to have children and want to adopt. My sister-in-law's mother know's a lady who wants to let me adopt her 2 children (aged 1 year and 3 months). This is like a dream come true and I am looking for any information on what to do now... I live in Tx..she in Arkansas..... anyone with any advice????

[tobeafamily]

First, retain an attorney experienced in domestic parental placement adoption. The American Academy of Adoption Attorneys keeps it's member list online www.adoptionattorneys.com. Talk to at least three in your local area and compare fees, services, experience - i.e. # of parental placement cases they handle a year, etc. - and your overall comfort level.

From there, you'll need to have a homestudy done. Your attorney can likely arrange for this to be done with an independent social worker.

Best of luck.

Regina

[jm2500]

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