[Chissl]

My husband and I have been married for one year and are ready to start the adoption process of my 12 year old son. I downloaded the forms and filled them out, but he wants to use an attorney. He went to the attorney and the attorney quoted him $3000 for the background check and search for the birth father, plus filing fees and fingerprinting fees, does not count attorney fees. The bf never had contact with my son in 12 years and made it clear that he never wanted contact. I had my son at age 17, and recieved some state financial aid. The district attorney searched for the BF and in the past has sent me paperwork stating that they can't find him.
My question is do we have to pay an invistagator? Don't we have enough proof for abandoment without paying extra to prove it?
Thanks for all help!
Christina

[stepadoptionblog]

I would call another attorney and explain that you already have documentation stating that he cannot be found. You may be able to simply publish a public notice in the paper stating your intention to have your son adopted. The notice will run 30-45 days, and if he does not respond then the adoption will continue as though the bf consented.

Stepparent Adoption Blog

[AJBs Mom]

I know an attorney, he charged us 2500 flat but i did do most my foot work myself. We did an add and the attorney knows exaxctly how to do it. 12 yo is an easy adoption , especially in lthis county. the judge is wonderful and so is the worker that does the fingerprinting. NOw that is only eight hundred dollars. SOmeone is giving you wrong information.

[Chissl]

I had a feeling the info was incorrect. Does anyone know the name of the judge? I always thought there were mulitple judges for this sort of thing.

[Chissl]

Who is the judge?

[AJBs Mom]

I dont know if i am aloud to say or not, But my judge was judge crugg, He was nearing retirement as well. Yes you are correct there are diff judges in diff cities. Depending on what area of san bernardino county you live in whether you go to central district or rancho.

[Chissl]

I always thought name of judge was public knowledge so no worries. My husband spoke to the attorney again and he decided we're doing it ourselves. Funny I feel so much better!
Thanks for the help, I would still appreciate any and all help in regards to San Bernardino Conty and city adoption.