[seashel]

My husband and I are first time foster/adopt parents of a 7 yr old fd. She has been with us 5 months. Both of her parents have already relinquished their rights. We have decided to go ahead and pursue adoption. Just wonder how long the process takes. We love to be able to tell her that we plan to adopt and let her know the timeline for the process.

[JuliannaTeresa]

I would ask her Social Worker!

If you can keep it? It would make an awesome and Priceless Christmas present, for her!

[monroeman]

Ask the SW is the best general advice (you usually get accurate answers rather than our best guesses), but there are a few variables that are commonly involved here.

You have to have the home study. If you started out with foster adopt in mind, then this is probably already in place. If not, get it going (talk to the SW).

The child has to be in you home for a specified period of time before you can finalize. This is commonly six months, but can be shorter depending on your state's laws. You already have five months under your belt, so you're almost there.

There is generally a 30-day period during which a parent can appeal their relinquishment. Don't worry unduly about this, but it ain't over 'til it's over.

In Utah you have to be officially approved as the adoptive placement by a DCFS committee. Generally not a problem. Be sure you ask your SW about subsidies before you finalize.

Once all of this is done you're ready to have your lawyer get a court date and go get things finalized.

As long as there's no hitches in the process, it doesn't seem unreasonable to me for you to be able to do this around Christmas time if you would like. I know that I wanted to finalize as soon as possible with my son!

Hope it all works out well.