That's because legally, it's more complicated than it might seem. In stepparent adoptions, it is a "Court Report" that is required, not a home...

It's up to the Judge’s discretion. It's definitely not automatic. And you have to notify them of the adoption if they have existing visitation...

Call Juli Wisotsky (Athens) or Judy Sartain (Gainesville). (Tell them I said Hi!) (Extra characters here to meet AVVO's minimum.)

The real answer to your question is that the Code gives the judge discretion on whether termination is proper. Which means that one judge might...

Unfortunately, he DOES have to receive notice, even if it's just a classified ad in the newspaper (if he can't be found; more, if he can). ...

Your wife and the father are his legal parents. Guardianship is a separate proceeding. You'd know if you'd been through that.

Call Juli Wisotsky in Athens. (That's close to you, isn't it?) 706-207-5201. (I think that's right. If not, reply back and I can give you...

Well actually, the law has been changed to where you do NOT need to be married (though marriage WOULD suggest to the judge that the child is being...

You're nearly in Tennessee. Call Mike Jennings, who is licensed in both states. (423) 892-2006. Also be sure the immigration issues are covered....

It might seem like it should be simple, but changing the legal parenthood from what a child is born into is not a small thing. If you need time to...