[AngBM]

Can anyone tell me if we have to hire a lawyer to do a stepparent adoption in North Carolina? They are really expensive from what I have seen so far.

I have spoken with the bio dad and he has agreed to let my husband adopt my son with the exception that he will still be allowed to call and speak to him and/or see him if we allow it. He hasn't seen his son since Oct. 06. Hasn't paid any child support since July 06. Our child support was not set up through the courts, it was just an agreement we had when my son was born.

My husband and I have been married for 3 years. We have a 3 year old together and a baby due in July. My son wants our last name and he has told his bio dad that.

Advice?

[stepadoptionblog]

If the father of the child has agreed to sign over his parental rights to the child, than you should not need to have a lawyer. I would make up the visitation agreement beforehand, so that when you file your petition to adopt with the courthouse, you can put a copy of the visitation agreement on file as well, that way you only have to pay the filing fee once. Call the local courthouse and ask them if you need a lawyer since the father is willing to sign for a stepparent adoption, just to be safe, but often times when it is not contested they will let it go through without attorneys. If your county requires a homestudy for the stepparent adoption, then they may not allow you to proceed without a lawyer...in general though if all parties are willing the process is much simpler, and legal representation is not required.

Stepparent Adoption Blog