[pozarnsk]

Hello all,
I am a foster parent looking to adopt, and it looks as if the parents rights are going to be terminated. The grandparents are not going to be an option either, but I am concerned that they may find some "long lost cousin" and they will get custody. Do I have any legal recourse against something like this? Just want to make sure I do everyhing possible.

Thanks,

Jared

[bjhv5]

how long have you had your fc? with us a long lost great aunt came up the week of the TPR hearing and she wants him but we have had him 16 months so we have custodial prefernce.I have been told the longer you have the child the better chance you have of being able to adopt over relatives.

[stevenstwin]

I do know of people who have hired lawyers and successfully fought, so that is one option you can try if it comes to that. But I'd say you are usually fairly safe if you've had the child a while and he/she has formed a significant bond with you. The onus would be on the "long lost cousin" to really prove that they would be better for the child. Unless the judge in the case is totally out to lunch - and that DOES occasionally happen. My own experience is that the aunt who came forward after our fs had already been in care for 6 months was basically told to go sniff. Also - she lives in another city, and they don't like to move (especially older) kids out of their home communities.

[ajrl]

I was supposed to be the adoptive parent. TPR had been done months ago. But an Uncle was found out of state and the judge here gave the child to him. They hadnt seen the child for a while and the judge here goes w/ RU w/ any family member. If you are in good standing w/ the grandparents, I would ask them if they think that anyone will come out of the woodwork. Because it can happen.

AJ

[pozarnsk]

We have had him 5 months, and it will probably be another 4 before parental rights are terminated. Mom and Dad are still "messed" up showing no signs of even trying to get it together, grandparents have criminal records. We have been told there are relatives out of state however.

All of these unknowns are my concern. Thanks for all the replys.

-Jared