What steps do I take to adopt my sisters newborn?

You need to go through the courts to adopt, but you can get some requirements waived because you are related. You still should hire an adoption...

How can I determine if a party has initiated a CHIPS case for termination of parental rights in Minnesota (HENNEPIN)?

She would have to serve you with termination petition. You'd know it. If she filed a private CHIPs she'd have to disclose prior custody action. If...

The law as drafted does not require the consent of the petitioner's spouse. Clearly this will have inheritance ramifications for the adopting...

I want my biological mother's name back on my birth certificate.

I think your bio mother could adopt you as an "adult adoption," so long as you are over 18. Happy to pursue it with you if you contact me.

Weren't the rules changed for an informal brief?

The rules are more relaxed if you file an "informal" brief, but you need to write to the court and ask permission. The court's web page is very...

Why is no one speaking to us or giving us information?

Contact agreements must be agreed to by adoptive parents. You should talk to an adoption attorney.

Is it legal for a 16 year old girl and a 22 year old guy not only date but have sex.

Under MN law if the complainant is 16-18, and partner over 48 months older (your scenario) it is criminal sexual conduct IF that person is in a...

Is there hope for an appeal for an outrageous cps determination if the initial determination was ludicrous?

Agree with above, and would add that on appeal you don't get to retry the facts, and to overturn factual findings is very hard. You need an...

How normal is it for the county to begin adoption proceedings before parents rights are terminated by the court?

"Concurrent planning" is a standard practice to explore placement of children with potential adoptive parents while termination proceedings are...

Fathers right in regards to adoption

You do not Have any duty to list father on birth certificate. If you do, he will have consent rights. You have no duty to tell him anything. You...