Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

adoption

I have a 18 year daughter that had a child when she was 17. She did not marry the father. We (maternal grandparents) are looking at adopting our grandaughter( with our daughter's approval) Do we need the father's consent? What are the steps involved? The father of the child has shown little interrest and is drinking and doing drugs? Would this make a difference?


Asked on 6/15/09, 7:10 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Elisabeth Efird Efird and Associates

Re: adoption

In order to adopt the child the father will have to sign away his parental rights. If he is drinking and showing little interest there is a chance that even if he gets served with the action he just won't show and there won't be an issue. There are a couple other ways to arrange this without having to go the adoption route. You should talk to a family law attorney. If you have any questions you can contact me at my email address.

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Answered on 6/15/09, 7:25 pm
John Steele Steele Law Firm

Re: adoption

You certainly need either the father's consent or you need to prove he is so unfit that the state should take away his rights. Either way, you should go through the adoption process so that the father can not come back later and challenge you for custody of the child. With your daughter's assistance, the adoption will go smooth. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Good Luck

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Answered on 6/16/09, 10:35 am


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