Adoption

[kendalldever]

California
I was married 15 years ago and the girl who had a two year old son. His biological father has never had any contact and does not want contact. The girl and I divorced after one year of marriage. Her son has lived with me 50 % of the time since the divorce. One week with the mother and one week with me. I have financially supported him with private school and much more. He is now 17 and lives with me full time. He has asked me to adopt him. There are several advantages for him as I am from New Zealand and he would get all the benifits from this country as well as the USA. The social services are saying the only way I can adopt him legally is if his mother gives up all her rights because the two of us are no longer married.

Does any one have any ideas as we need help urgently

[rmet4nzkx]

Originally Posted by kendalldever

California
I was married 15 years ago and the girl who had a two year old son. His biological father has never had any contact and does not want contact. The girl and I divorced after one year of marriage. Her son has lived with me 50 % of the time since the divorce. One week with the mother and one week with me. I have financially supported him with private school and much more. He is now 17 and lives with me full time. He has asked me to adopt him. There are several advantages for him as I am from New Zealand and he would get all the benifits from this country as well as the USA. The social services are saying the only way I can adopt him legally is if his mother gives up all her rights because the two of us are no longer married.

Does any one have any ideas as we need help urgently

Do you have an court orders for custody or visitation? Was paternity ever established for the child with his bio dad? Any orders? Child support? You would be considered a de facto parent and since this child is 17 you could adopt him when he becomes an adult.