Your Legal Guide Through Life’s Twists And Turns

Do you want to adopt your grandchild?

| Aug 30, 2017 | Divorce

There are many reasons that grandparents adopt their grandchildren. Perhaps the biological parents are deceased and the grandparent is the guardian, or both parents are unfit, maybe struggling with disability or addiction. Whether it is for one of these reasons or another, you find yourself in the position of perhaps wanting to adopt your grandchild.

Permanence

A judge is more likely to grant adoption in situations that seem permanent. That is, the biological parent(s) may be dead or disabled for life. A similar principle may apply if the parent(s) have struggled with addiction. On the other hand, if an addiction struggle is relatively recent, a social worker or judge may decide the parent deserves more time to try to get his or her life in order.

Parental rights terminated

The rights of the child’s parent(s) must be terminated before you can adopt. If the rights are not already terminated, you can speak with an attorney about the best options for termination in your case. After termination is complete, you (or your lawyer) can file a petition with the court, get a home study done and complete other required steps in the process.

While adopting a grandchild is not as strict or formal a procedure as traditional adoption or international adoption, there are still a lot of things you must do. The process can be time-consuming, and while it should not be overly expensive, it could require some money.

Other interested parties

There could be wrinkles in the matter if other family members are interested in adopting the child. For example, maybe there are aunts or uncles who want the child, or perhaps even the child’s other grandparents would like her or him. Are you truly the best party to adopt your grandchild, and if so, why? You may need to explain your case clearly and convincingly in court one day, and for sure to other interested parties.

Archives

FindLaw Network