Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

Want to Adopt Cousin-HELP!!!

I have an 8yr old cousin that is in an awful home situation. Both parents are alcoholics.Neither has worked in 5+yrs and 'support' themselves on their disability checks(his for physical and hers for mental).The police have been called to their residence 3x�s for domestic disputes and the last one was BAD, both were drunk and both were beat up.It is a know fact he kept a loaded gun,unlocked,in the house(till it was confiscated in a DUI).This uncle has 2 daughters(now in their 30's),I learned from them of the abuse they suffered,& learned he lost his job from the police department 30 yrs ago for abusiveness.The mother has two grown kids,& they told me of her history of schizophrenia & abuse.The list goes on and on.I've tried talking to my other uncle,my mother,and my adult cousins and no one seems to want to fight for the little guy because they are scared of the father.I am the only one who cares and I want to do whatever I can! I am 23 and have a mediocre job till I finish school.I also have a loving fianc� who will soon be getting a promotion and is willing to help me do whatever it takes.We would like to adopt him, or at least get him the hell out of there.I know it will be an arduous task, but PLEASE what do we need to do?!


Asked on 6/18/03, 9:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mary McDonagh McDonagh-Faherty Law Offices

Re: Want to Adopt Cousin-HELP!!!

You need to report the situation to DCFS first - and be clear to them that you want to take custody temporarily until a decision is reached. Then, be ready for a fight. You will need to prove to the court that it is in the child's best interests to come live with you, however, the court will listen to DCFS' opinion on where the child should go - you will need to be an approved foster parent for the child until the situation is resolved. Then, generally, it takes several years before the court will terminate parental rights which would give you the opportunity to adopt.

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Answered on 6/19/03, 8:52 am


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