AboutPeter C. Winkler, CSW Expertise I have experience with adoption subsidy, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and variety of other adoption related matters. I hope that I can be helpful to those who are considering adoption or would like to adopt a child.
Experience I am a social worker with an MSW and I have over thirty years of experience in family and children's services. I have worked as Director of adoption services and of the Interstate Compact in a large state agency. I have also provided direct services to children and families in a preventive services program. I currently prepare adoption studies for those who are adopting domestically or internationally.
I am looking to adopt my wife's two children (5 and 7). Their father hasn't had any contact with them for at least 5 years. He will not dispute the adoption. How long should the process take? We live in GA and he lives in WA if that makes any difference. Also, do you have any idea how much a lawyer would charge for doing the paperwork for us?
Thank you
Soren Overgaard.
Answer The birth father will not contest the adoption, he should sign a voluntary relinquishment which shows the court that he doen't object. Since he is a distance, you will have to get him to have his signature notarized and/or witnessed. Your local lawyer can help with this. The other thing that is needed is an adoption home study of you, the adoptive parent. Usually a social worker comes to your home and writes up a report on your fitness. Depending on state law, they may also have to run criminal justcie and child abuse checks on you.
There is a listing of adoption attornies on the Internet. You probably should use one in your area or ask the local bar association for the names of lawyers who do adoptions. You should talk to several and ask about their usual charges for adoption by a step-parent.
