[galpster]

Hi all I am new here and really need help.

My step sister is in prision and she is pregnant she has asked me and my husband to adopt the baby. We have said yes.

We have no idea what to do now - Any adice help would be so wonderful!!!

You can talk here or send to my eamil address at montana10@hotmail.com!

Thanks a bunch!

[Mom2J]

Hello Galpster,

Here's a little quick reading for you regarding relative adoptions. It's going to give you a quick overview of what you'll need for this type of adoption. Generally, relative adoptions are easier than the stadard "non-relative", but it still has to follow every step of the law.

http://relative.adoption.com/

With all of that said, the first thing you need to start with is speaking with a family law specialist- attorney. The attorney will guide you through all of the legal "ins" and "outs".

Mom2J

[cmcarr]

Because she is in prison I'm sure the state is involved. They would have to place the baby with a relative. If this is the case she can do an Identified surrender, which means she would sign away her parental rights if you and only you adopt the child. If it is done through the state the costs are usually paid by the state, if money is an issue this might be worth checking into. I don't know what state your in but in NJ, DYFS would be involved because they would need to place the baby. Check into kinship care in your state and you might find some help in this process. Is the father identified and if so is he willing to sign away his parental rights if not your in for a fight. His relatives may come out of the woodwork, you never no. Learn all you can and good luck. By the way it won't be easy but it will be worth it. Been through it and it only took six years.

[Chicken8182]

How long is she in for? Since she's in jail I would definately either contact cps and get them involved that way when the child is born they already know you are there and willing to have the child placed with you. Or you could have her voluntarily sign over rights and adopt right then and there, my husband's bio mom recently did this w my sis in laws 3rd child my daughters's brother who by the way we just saw for the first time yesterday, and apparantly it wasn't too costly. do some research talk to a lawyer a lot of lawyers either wont charge you or charge very little for some good legal advice.