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Originally Posted By Carissa

My sister is 18 years old and wants me to adopt her baby who is not due until November 26th. I have a 5 year old son who knows his aunt is pregnant, although I want him to know the truth, I don't know how to approach him with the news later on. I am not telling him now, not until we know for sure she is not going to change her mind. Also, how do I start the process. Do I have to go through an Atty?? I have had some people tell me yes, and some have told me no. I am very confused!!!! HELP!

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Originally Posted By Michelle

First, congratulations! I hope everything works out! I would definately contact an attorney! I don't know wether or not you need a homestudy for a relative adoption or not. I would also contact a family therapist and start counseling with you, your husband, and sister - there are alot of tricky emotions with any adoption and I would suspect that an inter-family adoption would be even more so!! I would guess that both counselor and attorney fees should be WELL under the $10,000 tax credit you can claim on your taxes the year the adoption is final (depending on your state 6 months after the relinquishment papers are signed).

As far as your son- I think as you become more confident of your sister's plans, I would start by saying that Aunt Janey's baby MIGHT come visit for a while after it's born, and hold off on the committment that it could be permanent until further down the road - that way you can get stuff ready for the baby to "visit"...

Just suggestions! I'm not an attorney, CPA, counselor, or Mom (yet )

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Originally Posted By TwinsMom

When my husband and I were trying to conceive, my sister offered to have a baby for us...different situation, but kind of similar. Had we chosen to pursue it, we would have sought counseling as a group and each couple would have had their own attorney. I think it's a wonderful thing that your sister wants you to do this. That says amazing things about your relationship and her respect for you as a parent! Good luck!