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Greetings, All!
I have been searching for information on the process of adopting my two step daughters and so far haven't found much useful information. I've looked at the OKDHS site and everything there seems to be focused on adoption children in their custody. I've Google'd everything I can think to and can't come up with much outside of agencies and attorneys. Checked FAQs and overviews for step parents building families. Good information but nothing on where to start.
The only bit of info that I have found of real use (outside of this forum) is that there is a one year waiting period before I could adopt the girls. While this is something, there was no further information on what the process is or who I need to contact.
Do I have to use an attorney? Is DHS who I need to contact first? Are there standard forms that can be used? Not to sound negative, but it's almost enough to make a person just say to heck with it before they get started.
Simply put, they are not my wife's kids, they're my kids too. Even if I wasn't in their life for the first 10 years. We have discussed adoption for quite some time and while I know it's going to take some effort, it's what both my wife and I truly desire.
Just need to know where to start getting some real information. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
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I don't really know much- we've only just begun the process of having my husband adopt my daughter. First off, there is no longer a one-year married waiting period for step-parent adoption. But, if you haven't been married a year, you do have to undergo a home study. Only after a year marriage can a judge waive the study (not sure how that part works). You're first step is to terminate the bio father's rights. I think there are standard forms for this if he's willing to sign voluntarily, but I haven't been able to find them. If not, you have to go to court terminate the rights- in OK the requirements are no support, no contact for 12 out of the last 14 months. State-mandated support- where the Child Support Enforcement Agency is involved doesn't count (at least my attorney said it shouldn't in my case). Then you have a hearing to determine if it's in the child's best interest for the step-parent to adopt.
I hope this helps a little- I searched and searched for info before finally just seeing a lawyer. It's going to cost us around $2000 ($1000-1500 for attn. fees, $500 home study fee), but it's well worth it. Your best bet is to set up a consultation and see what an attorney has to say.