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  #1  
Old 11-04-2005, 09:25 PM
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Is a lawyer necessary??

California

I had posted before about a stepparent adoption. I was given the name of a "do it yourself" book by military legal aid and they said that they have had several successful cases using it...but I'm wondering, if the biological father won't give his consent and we have to fight...is it necessary to have an attorney? Will it make a big difference in whether the case goes our way or not?
  #2  
Old 11-04-2005, 09:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kaylasmommy
California

I had posted before about a stepparent adoption. I was given the name of a "do it yourself" book by military legal aid and they said that they have had several successful cases using it...but I'm wondering, if the biological father won't give his consent and we have to fight...is it necessary to have an attorney? Will it make a big difference in whether the case goes our way or not?

Yes. You forget to dot one little i and the order could be overturned. GET a lawyer.
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  #3  
Old 11-04-2005, 09:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rushia
Yes. You forget to dot one little i and the order could be overturned. GET a lawyer.
I totally agree. IMO adoption is never a do it yourself project, too much is at stake.
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  #4  
Old 11-06-2005, 08:38 AM
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I agree! While we DID do our readoption at the county courthouse without an attorney, the initial (foriegn) adoption was done with one and already final in her birthcountry. So our "DIY" adoption was only an extra measure to create a vital record here in the states and do a name change, not the actual adoption that made us the legal parents. I would never have considered attempting an ACTUAL adoption solo.
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Last edited by nextwife; 11-06-2005 at 03:29 PM.
  #5  
Old 11-06-2005, 08:49 AM
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Oh, I have to agree on this one. Use your DIY time for stuff that's not as important as a kid.
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  #6  
Old 11-06-2005, 02:00 PM
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?

California

Would it be okay if the bio dad is going to concent?
  #7  
Old 11-06-2005, 02:44 PM
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And if you DON'T have an attorney making certain it is done correctly, how can you be assured he won't have a legal way to UNCONSENT later?
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  #8  
Old 11-06-2005, 02:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kaylasmommy
Would it be okay if the bio dad is going to concent?
No! We just had our step-parent adoption finalized Oct 18th, with the BD's consent. However I was advised by my atty, and Tigger, that he has the right to have the adoption vacated up to a year after it was finalized.
So even with Bio's consent, if I were to have done it by myself and made a mistake, he could have the adoption overturned.

DO NOT, under ANY circumstance, do an adoption WITHOUT AN ATTY.

Go to atty's that offer free consultations and retain the one who quotes you the cheapest price. An uncontested adoption is simpler and quicker thereby usually making it cheaper. Save up the money, make payments, or if you receive income tax returns, use that check for the adoption.
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  #9  
Old 11-08-2005, 01:41 AM
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name of book?

What was the name of that book? We are also military. Hawaii
Thanks
  #10  
Old 11-08-2005, 08:42 AM
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I did an adoption without a lawyer, but only AFTER i went to one who told me I could.

Every state has different criteria, do not do anything until you have visited with a lawyer.

Adoption is not a time to economize, use coupons, or buy one get one free.....
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