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Originally Posted By Sherrie

I have a son whose father gave his parental rights over to me over 5 years ago. My current husband would like to adopt my son. My question is do we need a lawyer to do so, or can we go to the courts and file legal papers on our own?

The only document that I have from the father is a letter giving up all of his parental rights to me, with his signature and the signature of his witness.

Will that be enough?

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Originally Posted By paul

did you ever get the answers you needed. I am going to try to do the same thing.

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Originally Posted By kb's mom

If you have gotten a reply to this I would very much be interested in hearing about it also as I am interested in the same. I DO have a little info for you though. Unlike Sherrie, I do not have any signed papers, but the absent (5-1/2 years) parent says he would give up his parental rights IF I signed papers saying that he would not owe any back child support also. I spoke to a lawyer today (Colorado) and he said that it needs to be done in court to be binding, and a lawyer is needed to be on the safe side and to make sure there were no mistakes made. There are also legal forms to be filled out. He also told me that the courts usually do not terminate a parents right unless the child is to be adopted my a step-parent. It's VERY confusing! If the all parents involved are cooperative the process usually takes between 30-60 days because of a needed court appearance. I hope this helps somewhat, and if you have any further info I would appreciate it so much. Thanks.

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Originally Posted By Nana

We are in the process of my grandson being adopted by his step-father.We did the paper work ourselves with the natural father relinquishing his rights on one of the papers.We have a court date and they said the biological father doesn't even come to court. We did use some help over the phone with a pre-paid legal service. Cost is 26.00 a month. Helped immensely and they called immediately when we had a question. Willlet you know how we progress.

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Adoption done! ADOPTION is final and we did not need an attorney. However the biological father relinquinshed his rights! cost was 94.00