[OregonDad]

Hello,

My wife and I have been married for 2 years now with one child of our own and one from a previous relationship of hers. I would like to adopt her daughter but do not know where to start. To make things a little more difficult my wife is not a citizen yet but does have her green card (her daughter has a green card as well). The biological father has signed a consent form stating that it is ok for me to adopt his daughter but it is a Russian document. Contacting him for any other documents may be a little difficult. Where does one find out what the process is and what documents are needed in the state of Oregon for adoption of a stepchild?

Does it matter that she is not a US citizen yet? I spoke to the INS and they said that since she is already here in the US that they have nothing to do with the process and that it is a matter for the court to handle.

Thanks in advance,
Mark

[babyinmay]

Hi, I live in Oregon as well so I was hoping that I could offer some advice to you. Then the part with your wofe not being a citizen blew that right out of the water!

I will say that my husband and I have a much less complicated situation and still decided to use a lawyer so that we are certain it is done right. We found a great lawyer who was able to cut certain steps out of the process because the bio-father has never seen my son which is making it cheaper and easier to do!

Depending on where you live I would be happy to share his name and number with you. If you are interested just let me know and I can IM you

Lindsay

[Searching_03256]

Your wife's legal status does not make a difference in adoption in Oregon. Our laws state that you just have to be a resident and doesn't look further. The Russian documents COULD be a problem, but it depends on what they say...

Feel free to give me a call if I could be of some help.

-Scott