Legal Question in Family Law in California
Stepparent Adoption
I have previously posted a question re stepparent adoption and social services. I apreciate the quick replys, however, I received conflicting answers. I have a 6 year old daughter that my husband wishes to adopt. Nothing has been filed yet. There will be no contest by the biological. He has willingly agreed to consent. He is not named as the father on the birth certificate, that spot is left blank. However, I did give her his last name on the birth certificate. There are no paternity issues. I do NOT want Social Services involved. They want to ask my daughter if she wants my husband to be her father. He already is her father according to her. This seems confusing. She has not seen the biological in 3 years. They also want to speak with her in private. Do I have to allow this? My information comes straight from the woman in charge of these matters. Is there anyway to avoid Social Services? I have tried to recearch it, but come up with nothing specific. I was advised that if I went through Childrens Court I would definately have Social Service involvement. What is true? Please advise
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Stepparent Adoption
All adoptions must be investigated by social services. Unless there is a problem at home why do you object to the social worker talking to your daughter alone.