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Relative Adoption

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ugagrad99

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? GA (but adoption would be Kansas)

My husband and I have been asked by my husband's sister to adopt her baby, who is due to be born in August. We had already began the adoption process with an agency here in GA. Now, we are looking into a private adoption with her. We have talked to several lawyers. Some recommend that we have a lawyer for both her and us. Others have said that they can provide dual representation. We understand that this is legal in KS, but are wondering about the pros/cons of each.

Thanks!
 
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ugagrad99

Junior Member
The mom is saying that she does not know who the father is. We have asked her to work with a counselor and are hoping that maybe she will share more information. Unless, of course, she really doesn't know.
 

las365

Senior Member
This is a lovely idea in theory, but the reality can bring heartache. How old is the sister/mom? What is the plan for dealing with truth about baby's "Aunt" as he or she grows up? What happens when Sis decides she wants to be Mommy?

Whatever you do, do NOT have one attorney do "dual" representation. Your interests as the adoptive parents are in conflict (legally) with the mom's interests.

Use whatever leverage you have to make her tell you who the father is or potentual fathers are. Unless this was a rape by a stranger, or she was in a drunken/drug/some other kind of haze and realy doesn't know who had sex with her, she knows or at least has some idea. If you can't find out who the father is, you also need to find out how to properly give notice by publication or whatever system is in place in the state where Sis lives so that the unknown father's rights are properly terminated.

My suggestion on how to approach this is to imagine every possible negative consequence and turn of events and work to put a framework in place within which you are prepared to fend off potential problems (both short- and long-term). Best of luck to all of you.
 

Silverplum

Senior Member
...You also need to find out how to properly give notice by publication or whatever system is in place in the state where Sis lives so that the unknown father's rights are properly terminated.
This is NO JOKE, Poster.

Your adoption is in no way legal and binding and forever until and unless you properly legally deal with the biological father.

Do it right, or your new child could become the next Baby Jessica. :eek: :(
 

ugagrad99

Junior Member
We absolutely agree it is important that this is handled correctly and the father, if she does know who it is, is properly notified. That is why we wanted her to meet and talk with a counselor, independent of us. We want her to make the best decision for her and feel that the counselor is important. We also recognize the importance of a good lawyer - so it we do have to work with the rights of an unknown father, he/she will know how to handle it.
 

Silverplum

Senior Member
We absolutely agree it is important that this is handled correctly and the father, if she does know who it is, is properly notified. That is why we wanted her to meet and talk with a counselor, independent of us. We want her to make the best decision for her and feel that the counselor is important. We also recognize the importance of a good lawyer - so it we do have to work with the rights of an unknown father, he/she will know how to handle it.
I'm very glad you see the light! :)

Best of luck to you and your family. :)
 

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