[sheilag]

Without attorneys? Did you have to go through the county? Or did you just file all the paperwork your self? Did you have to file an abandonment or a relinquishment?

If you did this on your own, could you please help me with information or walk me through the process. I would really like to get this process started and I dont know where to begin.

I would appreciate any help that you have to offer.

Thank you,
Sheila

[rastewartmt]

We are in the process, last stages actually, of filing our own in Oregon. Don't know what state you're in but it is definitely possible, easier in some areas than others. We had the bio parent sign off and that saved us a lot of turmoil, time, and expense. We used signing off past child support as the "carrot" to entice him to relinquish rights, might work for you too. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Check online for state statutes for adoption and we'll be glad to guide you in drafting your own documents, using the language provided in your state statutes. R

[mattandjen]

Shiela hope this helps. My husband and I filed everything ourselves. We are in the beginning phases of the adoption so I will just tell you what we've done so far.

Background is my husband wants to adopt my daughter, we have been married 7 months dated for 5 years. We live in CA so there is no time limit. Biofather has had no contact for 2 and 1/2 years. We have a court order for child support to be garnished from his wages, however, he beats the system and hasn't paid in about 2 years. Although every year I get his IRS refund for past arrears that he owes. Also out of the blue, he paid a payment 7 months ago.

I called Biofather to see if he would consent to the adoption, he said NO! I offerred the no child support and he wouldn't have to pay arrears. He still wouldn't consent.

We went to the Superior court in our area, they told us what petitions we had to file. We first filed the petition to adopt( $20) along with that we had to pay $ 200 for the investigation fees. Next we had to file the petition for freedom from parental custody and control, a hearing is then set.
We had to look up the codes to use that pertained to our situation which was abondonement. We went to a lawyer to fill out the termination papers, we didn't know what codes to use. I have since found that you can go to the law library and they will tell you where you can find them( much cheaper).

Next we were contacted by an officer of the court who came out and interviewed all parties involved. She then wrote a report stating what she felt was in the best interest of the child. From what I understand when we go to hearing this is what will be used to decide what happens.

So now our hearing is set April 4th, the officers report reads that all statutes of the law have been met to terminate rights of Biofather. She also stated that it is the best interest of the child to terminate his rights. In her report she writes that if he doesn't show up, it is once again his lack of interest in the child and should be treated as such and termination of his rights would be appropriate. It also says that if he does show up he has to prove to the courts how it would be beneficial to the child to remain in her life, we then go to mediation. It becomes his burden and his responsibility to file paperwork and pay fees. ( which will take too much effort!)

I know this is a lot of our story, but this is real and hopefully you get something out of it. If you have any questions specific to your situation I will try to answer them and point you in the direction to take. I will let you know more after our hearing.
Good luck to you,
Jenn

[momlovinquading]

Originally Posted by rastewartmt

We are in the process, last stages actually, of filing our own in Oregon. Don't know what state you're in but it is definitely possible, easier in some areas than others. We had the bio parent sign off and that saved us a lot of turmoil, time, and expense. We used signing off past child support as the "carrot" to entice him to relinquish rights, might work for you too. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Check online for state statutes for adoption and we'll be glad to guide you in drafting your own documents, using the language provided in your state statutes. R

Hi, I hope you still check this, I live in oregon and I am starting to look into finding out how to adopt my two step children, There bio mom abandoned them 5 years ago to us, yself and my husband.