[mommiedearest]

My husband wants to adopt my two children. We consulted a lawyer yesterday and her fee would be $1000 for both children but that doesn't include the $400 fee for in-home investigation. We originally thought we would try to do this ourselves but have no idea where to begin or what we would need to do. The lawyer is unwilling to guide us and let us do the work, of course we do not expect her to do it for free but we are trying to keep the cost down as much as possible.

Has anybody ever done their own step-parent adoption without a lawyer? Or would you recommend we save ourselves the headache and just pay her to do it?

Also, does anyone know of any investigators around the Ionia county area? We are aware of only one and she charges $400!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Cindy

[jennymc21]

I don't have any advice for you concerning the process without a lawyer. Our step-parent adoption was finalized on 01-07! I am so glad that we went forward with it!
Good luck and I encourage you to go forward with the process whichever way you go

[rkernagis]

Is it an interstate issue-or is he still here in MI?

[spita510]

I do know that if you can have the bio-parent to sign off all parental rights that the process is simple and can be done with out a lawyer.
Would the bio-parent consent to signing off rights?

[ldyminerva]

we are doing it with out a laywer. and so far its been a long road with a lot of leg work, but the girls at the probate court have been wonderful!

As far as i know, once you have the adoption in process the courts assign someone to do the home investigation at no cost to you. the investigation that you have to pay for is only for "regular" adoptions. The only reason you would have to pay for home investigation is if you want to hurry the process along.

My case is a little harder because my ex lives in Texas.

HTH.

Jenny

[busymom4]

My husband and I are doing our own step parent adoption in Antrim county. My ex is willing to sign off. As a matter of fact he is paying for it. He doesn't want to pay child support and doesn't see the kids. So we told him if he wants to sign off he has to pay for the adoption. You can get the forms at your probate court. In Antrim county, the costs are: filing fee- $160 per child, $30 for fingerprinting of adopting parent, and $26 per birth certificate. Our papers say that the adoption process is usually completed in 6 months. If the non custodial parent consents, this lessens the time frame. Hope this helps.


Antrim County, MI

Carrie