Legal Question in Family Law in Rhode Island

adoption

My wife and i have a one month old baby together.My wife has a four year old daughter.we've been together for 3 and a half years.There is absolutely no contact with her daughters bio father.father is somewhere unknown.name not on birth certificate.This little girl is the love of my life.What is the process to adopt. Thankyou


Asked on 1/05/08, 10:36 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

David Slepkow Slepkow Slepkow & Associates, Inc.

Rhode Island Adoption-Termination of Parental rRghts

You and your wife need to file an adoption petition in Rhode Island (RI) Family Court with the juvenile Clerk. Since you do not know the biological fathers whereabouts you will need to file a motion for order of notice. At this motion an affidavit will be required setting forth all information that you have concerning his last known adress. You will need to advertise the adoption in a local paper at his last known adress. At the Court hearing you will terminate his parental rights to his child. Rhode Island Family services will also do a background check and a home study of your house. The Adoption process should take a few months. You should hire a RI attorney /lawyer to represent you in the adoption. Please feel free to call me.

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Answered on 1/08/08, 3:28 pm
Staff General Counsel LawyersCollaborative

Re: adoption

Good for you. You may read the statutes (laws) concerning the adoption process here: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE15/INDEX.HTM

Best wishes,

Arnold

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Answered on 1/05/08, 1:11 pm
John Steele Steele Law Firm

Re: adoption

Adoption law in each state is a little different. But adoption law in general requires an attorney to do right. I recommend finding one in your state. I practice in IL.

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Answered on 1/05/08, 1:44 pm


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