[psimpson]

I adopted my wife's niece's baby, the adoption was finalized (in FL) in June. The baby was born in the Bahamas, but has lived with us for 2 years. Her birth mother lives here, but does not have legal status - how do I obtain a social secuity number for the child?

[stephaniemlou]

Did you have a lawyer who guided you through all this and in court? He or She should have that info. We had an agency adoption, but agency's lawyer was with us and gave us everything to fill out, incl the one for the ss#.

[riley6]

Here's a web site that addresses your answer:

http://www.al-maqsood.org/travel/ssn-15.htm

If you are a US citizen and you adopt her, doesn't that make her a US citizen? You should just have to give SSA your adoption decree and her birth certificate.

[taggrr2]

Riley,

Our adoption is not final yet. Does that mean we can't get a SSN until finalization?

[riley6]

I'm not sure. Call your local SSA office and find out.

My kids came to me with their SSN. Once our adoption is final we will have them changed, but we have to wait for their new birth certificates and adoption decrees.

[nawlinsmom]

You can obtain a temporary number from the IRS, just go to the website provided in the previous post. I was issued a temporary number for my son and when the finalization occurs I will reapply for a permanent number. Remember also, you can amend your previous taxes to claim the child for the years that you have supported her. Hope this helps.