DIY Step-Parent Adoption

[SimplyMom]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?AK

I've read through the posts it's been stated many times that DIY adoption is not a good idea. My ex and I are moving forward with my husband adopting our daughter. (Background: Ex is voluntarily relinquishing his rights, hasn't had anything to do with duaghter in years, the only sticking point was the grandparent visitation). Alaska has (literally) the DIY forms to complete a step parent adoption, why is it best to go through a lawyer to get this completed?

Thanks!

[Ohiogal]

Basically to make sure all the i's are dotted and t's are crossed.

[Dogmatique]

Very simply, the emotional cost and damage of having an adoption overturned for technicalities will be far, far higher and infinitely more painful than any adoption lawyer's fees.

Make sure. Get an attorney

[SimplyMom]

Thank you both for that advice.

Is it normal for the child to be present during the hearing? My daughter turns 6 this fall, and children are required to give consent when they're 10 or older, but it is recommended that they attend the hearing regardless of their age.

My daughter knows about her father, we've explained the adoption to her by explaining that her dad just can't be a daddy right now, and that he's asked my husband to be her forever daddy and take good care of her. She understands that explanation and is fine with it.

What purpose would her attending the hearing serve?

[VeronicaLodge]

see, these are things your lawyer could help you with

[haiku]

If it is truly uncontested and simple, a lawyer can tell you that for their one hour consult fee, and give you all the legal info you will need to proceed confidently that you are NOT going to screw anything up. And honestly if you can't afford that, you shouldn't be adopting. The piece of mind is worth its weight in GOLD. BTDT wearing said T-shirt.

Normally children come to the hearing if it is uncontested because its supposed to be a happy new beginning, like any other adoption. Adoption day at the court house is one of the happiest days you can ever see at a family courthouse. (though for me stepparental adoptions are rather bittersweet...)

[SimplyMom]

Originally Posted by haiku

If it is truly uncontested and simple, a lawyer can tell you that for their one hour consult fee, and give you all the legal info you will need to proceed confidently that you are NOT going to screw anything up. And honestly if you can't afford that, you shouldn't be adopting. The piece of mind is worth its weight in GOLD. BTDT wearing said T-shirt.

Normally children come to the hearing if it is uncontested because its supposed to be a happy new beginning, like any other adoption. Adoption day at the court house is one of the happiest days you can ever see at a family courthouse. (though for me stepparental adoptions are rather bittersweet...)

We do already have a lawyer, I was just interested in why Alaska would have a simple DIY process if things really weren't so simple, if that makes any sense.

And thank you for painting the actual hearing in such a positive light, I honestly hadn't looked at it that way.