[KVR]

I just found this site and find the information and support to be wonderful. My husband and I have a court date set for the termination of rights/adoption in early August. We have the green light from the probation department and have a feeling the bio-mom will not show up. My children (ages 12 and 10) both wrote letters to the judge stating that the adoption is what they want. My question is what to expect in the termination hearing? She has not paid child support for our 2 kids in 5 1/2 years, she has seen them 20 days during the last 5 1/2 years and has since had 2 more children. She has also recently added her current husband's 2 children to her household. Her current husband just retired from the navy and all of them have moved back to California. To my knowledge, neither one have jobs nor do they have a place to live (they are staying in a hotel currently). I think we have a pretty strong case (as does our lawyer) but if anyone can offer up any other advice or words of wisdom, I would really appreciate it. I have my up and down moments...feeling anxious and excited about the possibility of our dream really coming true.

Thanks,

K

[stepadoptionblog]

It sounds like you have a very strong case, especially since both children are older and have such a favorable opinion about the adoption.

Just make sure that you document as much information as you can, if you have the dates of all the visits in the last five years list them, if you remember how long each visit was list it..the more information that you have the better.

Try to relax and not to worry too much, everyone worries throughout their adoption process no matter what the circumstances are..so just try to stay calm and focused.

The absolutel most important thing to do of course, is to have one heck of an adoption bash once everything is all done with, just hang in there and you will be planning that party before you know it!

[KVR]

Thank you for your kind response. Yes, we have documented the soporadic phone calls and visits. I appreciate your message...it gives me hope!

KVR

[desert-eagle66]

I have a question about abandonment..My son has had no physical contact with his Bio-father since he was 8 months old. The last time I got any child support was in 2004 and that was $100. Would this be considered abandonment? A lot of issues have come up in my son's life as well, 4 years ago he developed type 1 diabetes and his step-father (my husband) has him on his health insurance and pays for everything for this child. I have not spoken to my ex since 1994 and have no idea where he might be, I do know what state he is in, but do not know what town he lives in.