windycitybound
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ
We are in the process of filing for a stepparent adoption. We have just gotten back my husbands background check which included 3 misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession. The charges were over a decade ago, before we met, and before my child was born. The adoption agency says they don't see it presenting any issues moving forward with the adoption. An acquaintance that is a paralegal said that we may want to consider expungement, but looking into that option it would likely cost us a good amount of extra time and more importantly money that we would struggle to afford.
The adoption agency seems to think expungement is a bit overkill and that if anything the judge may order a 1-day "mini home study" before allowing the adoption to be completed. I respect their opinion since they have a good deal of experience and seen this situation before, but I do realize it is up to the judge, so was hoping to get some more opinions so I could make a well informed decision.
Thanks in advance.
We are in the process of filing for a stepparent adoption. We have just gotten back my husbands background check which included 3 misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession. The charges were over a decade ago, before we met, and before my child was born. The adoption agency says they don't see it presenting any issues moving forward with the adoption. An acquaintance that is a paralegal said that we may want to consider expungement, but looking into that option it would likely cost us a good amount of extra time and more importantly money that we would struggle to afford.
The adoption agency seems to think expungement is a bit overkill and that if anything the judge may order a 1-day "mini home study" before allowing the adoption to be completed. I respect their opinion since they have a good deal of experience and seen this situation before, but I do realize it is up to the judge, so was hoping to get some more opinions so I could make a well informed decision.
Thanks in advance.