What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NC
I am currently the legal guardian of my niece. This has been this way since she was placed in my home 4 years ago and has been with me every since. I have sought a lawyer for the termination of parental rights of both her parents because neither have complied with the court order and neither are taking care of their child. I was told today that I would have to pay a lawyer to have the rights terminated as well as pay the lawyer a separate fee for adopting her. I am in NC. And I just need to know the procedure for carrying out this process without the lawyer. I can't not afford the fees of a lawyer and I am seeking help to try and start most of this process on my own until is utterly necessary for me to have a lawyer. Right now anyone can file a petition for termination of parental rights and I can also file a petition for the child's adoption but where in all this paperwork do I necessarily need to get a lawyer to sign off on the paperwork.
I'm in need of great help but I can't afford a lawyer right now.
I am currently the legal guardian of my niece. This has been this way since she was placed in my home 4 years ago and has been with me every since. I have sought a lawyer for the termination of parental rights of both her parents because neither have complied with the court order and neither are taking care of their child. I was told today that I would have to pay a lawyer to have the rights terminated as well as pay the lawyer a separate fee for adopting her. I am in NC. And I just need to know the procedure for carrying out this process without the lawyer. I can't not afford the fees of a lawyer and I am seeking help to try and start most of this process on my own until is utterly necessary for me to have a lawyer. Right now anyone can file a petition for termination of parental rights and I can also file a petition for the child's adoption but where in all this paperwork do I necessarily need to get a lawyer to sign off on the paperwork.
I'm in need of great help but I can't afford a lawyer right now.