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Asked 5 months ago - Wichita, KS
FlagMy sister is having a baby and I want to have parental rights by the time the baby gets here. What would be the easiest, least expensive way for her to sign her rights over to me? Would it be easier to get custody rather than to adopt?
The "cleanest" way to get custody and parental rights is to adopt. You will have to wait until the child is born and then it's best to file the petition for adoption ASAP after the birth. It's also important to get the mother and father's consent to the adoption to make it as smooth as possible. This is not a do-it-yourself project so I would recommend getting knowledgeable adoption attorney to help you along. It's not something you want to have screwed up and in 2 years after you've taken the child in, find out it was not a legitimate adoption.
Each of the previous answers gave very good information, covering multiple issues that you will face. As has been stated, NOTHING can be done in the Court until the child is born. In addition to adoption, there is also the option of Third Party Custody. This does not require a full termination of the parents' rights. It just requires a finding that they are both unfit, unwilling or unable to act as parents.
One other issue that your question raises is about "signing over rights." This language is used a lot, and it is one of the most common questions that we get. A parent cannot "sign over" rights, or give up their rights in any way. Their rights can only be terminated, and in Kansas, that requires the State to terminate, or an adoption. So, there is no shortcut.
When you are dealing with the adoption of a child, you need professional help to insure that it is done correctly. I would contact an experienced adoption attorney in your area for proper assistance. Generally speaking the mother would need to sign a consent but she can only do this after the birth and then there is the father issue. Is he willing to consest? Is he unknown? Can he be located? Will he contest? Those are some of the questions that need to be addressed - sooner rather than later. I hope that this helps.
I would like to address why you SHOULD have to jump through a lot of hoops to adopt. When considering who should take care of a child, it is appropriate to investigate the prospective adoptive parents.
1. Health - are they in good health? Do they have a contageous disease? Do they have physical problems that would preclude them from being good parents.
2. Finances - can they afford to care for a child? Are they stable or are they getting ready for bankcruptcy?
3. Is the home safe? Are there smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher? If there are pets, are they up to date with their immunizations?
4. If a couple is adopting, are they in unison about wanting to adopt? Is the relationship stable or are they getting ready for divorce court?
5. Motivation - do the prospective adoptive parents love kids or do they want to keep up with their friends who have children? Are they motivated to adopt because it is a humanitarian thing to do? This issues must be explored.
Children cannot speak for themselves --- for these reasons, the law requires prospective adoptive parents to jump through a lot of hoops. I hope by explaining why you have to jump through the hoops, you will be more amiable to do so.
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