what do I do?

What is the name of your state? California but the case is in Utah
I am trying to fight the state of Utah in adopting my daughter. She was taken from her father because her physically abused her. This is the first time out of three times she has been taken that I have been notified. They want to adopt her to the foster family, I don't want them to terminate my parental rights I will be willing to give gaurdianship under the condition that I find out from her mouth that this is what she wants. I nor either one of my parents has been notified in the 3 times she was taken from the home. My son still resides with his father. And I am not allowed to see him although we have joint custody. He refuses to let me talk with him like he has for the last 7 years. I have to represent myself because the state can't provide me with a PD and I cannot afford to pay an attorney in one lump sum. So, I am going to lose if I don't get some help from someone. PLEASE, can anyone help me?

[stealth2]

I suspect part of the problem is that you're out of state. Also - are there issues why the father had custody rather than you? That might also be playing a role.

Either way - you really need an attorney in UT. Start calling - some will take payments, but you'll need to dig.

[kat1963]

How long has she been in foster care? It sounds like it has been a while if they are talking adoption. Under Federal Law if she is non-relative foster care for 15 out of 22 months, it's highly likely your parental rights will be terminated. They don't need you to stipulate to a guardian, the foster parents (she is a ward of the state at this point) are already just that. They aren't going to make a deal with you, they have a quota to meet after all. So you either grow a great pair of balls or lose your child to the system.
Have your parents filed a motion to intervene? Have you filed for frequent & meaningful visitation? You need to learn your parental rights AND file the proper motions. Go here:
[url]http://www.cpswatch.com/oldsite/guide/[/url]
As for your son, it's been seven years with no contact???? Where have you been? Why did you not file a motion to show cause/contempt against your ex the very SECOND you were refused contact?????????? If you had been proactive you would have known about the abuse before the state became involved the FIRST time.
I dunno...I think there is more to this story.
KAT

[stealth2]

I do, too, Kat.

I don't think I made things all to clear. I was a 15 year old married to a 26 year old man that was very abusive and very controling. He scared me to death and still does. I am 30 years old now and when I left him I thought I was doing the best thing for my kids. He had a good paying job, insurance. And all I could offer them at the time was welfare. I didn't want that for my kids, and he seemed to love them with all of his heart. So, I left. And when we divorced we had joint custody. But, he never let me see them. We would make arrangements then he would not call me he'd move or something to keep me from them. And I don't know of any one who does anything for free, and I am very stupid to the laws. I had no idea what he was doing was wrong. Or against the law for that matter. Yes I should've known, but unlike you I havn't had the schooling nor the money to do anything about it. I thought what he said was they way it was. No, I don't want my father getting anywhere close to my kids. And as fasr as my mother she is no condition to care for a teenage girl. If she could I wouldn't be asking what I should do. I need some advice not condemnation. I need to know what forms or papers I need to get to get a continuance. I have to be in court on Monday and it is for a mediation. I have no clue as to what that is and you know what they say, A person who represents thierselves has a fool for a client.