[Loving Stepmom]

Hello Everyone!

I am posting here hoping that I will be able to get some informtion. After 10 LONG years, I am finally able to begin the process of adopting my two beautiful daughters. The birthmom has agreed to the adoption and is giving her consent. My question is how long does this process usuall take? What is involved with the home inspection, court hearings, etc.? Our attorney has filed the petition for adoption with the court. The B M has also signed a written stipulation (we are waiting for it in the mail) that will be filed in court giving up her parental rights. I'm just curious how this is all going to progress. Any information anyone has would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you!

[AJBs Mom]

It should be relitively easy given you are getting a consent instead of a contest. Just make sure the consent paper is signed in front of the right person. You have nothing to worry about with the home visit. SInce the child is already residing there with a natural parent they just pretty much talk to you , your spouse and the child. See if you were trying to do daycare of foster care it would be a miticuulous inspection. It is not like that. You basically will have your court trial and adoption will be granted. You still must go through the proper steps though. I am sure it will all work out. On congradulations on the consent, Its what many actually wish to get.

[Loving Stepmom]

Hi AJB's Mom!

Thank you for the information. I am confident that everything will be done properly as we are using our attorney. Yes I am VERY thankful that we have the consent of the birthmom as I know it makes things MUCH easier. Can you tell me about how long the process took you to finish? I am just trying to get an idea.

Thank you!

[AJBs Mom]

Ours took 10 months but it was contested, However he did not show up at the hearing. It really all depends on the county you reside.. I am pretty confident yours will not take longer than a year. You are pretty much awaiting the social worker and her report and a court date. SO if the workers case load is big it will take little longer.

[Loving Stepmom]

Thank you! We will just pray that our assigned social worker has a light case load..........

[AJBs Mom]

Like I said it also depends on county the county.

[crystaly]

It only took two months for me after the biological parent died and it was not contested. The worker did not even come to my home. We just met her with all the proper paperwork at her office and took our little one with us to meet her so she could talk to her. Now this is Sacramento County. This is the weirdest county in the state and it does NOTHING like they do it in the southern part of the state. Congradulations on the uncontested adoption! I don't think this county has a huge adoption case load either.

[Loving Stepmom]

Hi Crystaly!

Wow, that is fast! I am sure we will not be that fortunate since we are in Southern California, but we can still hope. It has been one week today since the adoption petition was filed in the courts. We were told that a social worker would be contacting us within two weeks so hopefully that will be happening soon. I will feel much better when that process has started.

[Loving Stepmom]

Hello Everyone!

I know I do not post much here, and it has been awhile since I have posted anything, but I wanted to give you a little update on my case. I just received word today that the investigation report is complete and they have recommened that I finally be able to legally adopt my two beautiful children. It has been a long wait. After 10 years of court battles, it finally looks as if we are almost done. All that is left now is the hearing to make it official and a BIG party to celebrate.

Today is a good day!

[stepadoptionblog]

That is wonderful news! I am very happy for your family! Please share with us how the court date, and more importantly that big party goes! I will be looking forward to your next update!

Stepparent Adoption Blog

[Loving Stepmom]

Well, it is official!!! The courts have finally made legal what I have known in my heart for the last 10 years. We were in court on Tuesday to finally bring an end to a very long journey in the family court system. Although the birthmom showed up at the courthouse, everything went very well. We were taken into the courtroom early and she was asked to leave. Once inside the judge came in a little early and finalized our adoption. We were then escorted out the back and promptly began our celebration.

The best advice that I can give to those of you just starting out or still going through the process is don't give up. Although the fight may be long and difficult, it is MOST DEFINITELY worth it in the end!

[CrazyForMark]

CONGRADULATIONS!!! I'm so happy for you. I can't wait till our adoption is final. I just hope everything goes ok. Based on time frame - we have every right for husband to adopt daughter.

Congrats Again!!