I (in NJ) have a friend that is about to give birth in PA and she wants to give my husband and me custody of the baby so she can relinquish her rights ASAP and then we can adopt shortly after. Does anyone know the best way to go about this? We have a notarized letter for the hospital. Can we go to family court in Philadelphia and do this in person?
You need an attorney. You cannot DIY adoptions.
We aren’t trying to adopt right away. We are trying to get custody as mom is relinquishing rights and then we will officially adopt later on.
Get a lawyer. When a child is involved, you want to be 1000% sure that all of your ducks are in a row in case mom changes her mind later.
Definitely consult with a family law attorney experienced in custody and adoption. They can guide you through the legal process and ensure everything is done correctly.
Make sure your friend understands the implications of relinquishing her rights. It’s a big decision and should be considered carefully.
Check with the court in Philadelphia about their specific requirements for custody and adoption. Each county can have different procedures.
You might need to file a petition for custody first before proceeding with adoption. An attorney can help with the paperwork.
Be prepared for a potential court hearing. The judge will want to ensure that this arrangement is in the best interest of the child.
Consider looking into support groups for adoptive parents. They can offer valuable advice based on their experiences.
It’s good that you have a notarized letter, but make sure it meets all legal requirements. An attorney can help verify this.
Custody and adoption can be complicated. Don’t rush into anything without understanding the legal ramifications.
You should also consider the emotional impact on the baby and the birth mother. It’s a big transition for everyone involved.
Make sure all parties are on the same page and have open communication throughout this process.
Keep all correspondence and documents organized. This will help your attorney and make the process smoother.
Look for local legal aid resources if cost is a concern. They can provide assistance or refer you to affordable services.
Remember that the child’s welfare is the priority in any custody agreement. Make sure to advocate for their best interests.
Don’t delay in seeking legal assistance. The sooner you start the process, the better.
Have a plan in place for the transition. It can help ease the adjustment for the baby and everyone involved.
Make sure everyone is emotionally prepared for this change. It can be a lot to handle for both the mother and the baby.