Is it possible for me to adopt my niece?

[NievaBelinz28]

I'm currently 28 years old, single, and working as a top foreign dating coach. I think I have enough savings, income, and time to raise my 10-year-old niece, whose parents died about a month ago. They got into a very brutal car accident and were both dead before the ambulance could arrive. My niece is currently living with my sister, while her papers are being sorted out. Is it possible for me to legally adopt her? I've already discussed it with her and she seems fine with it, as I am the only living relative she's really close with.

[RB]

I'm currently 28 years old, single, and working as a top foreign dating coach. I think I have enough savings, income, and time to raise my 10-year-old niece, whose parents died about a month ago. They got into a very brutal car accident and were both dead before the ambulance could arrive. My niece is currently living with my sister, while her papers are being sorted out. Is it possible for me to legally adopt her? I've already discussed it with her and she seems fine with it, as I am the only living relative she's really close with.

Hire a lawyer for such legal advice~besides you need one anyway most likely. You may spend $5,000.00 give or take. Most charge about $300.00 per hour~some may do it for a set charge. Do you live in the same state? Did her parents have a will stating their desire concerning her? My children do for their children.

Here's how the per hour works: The lawyer walks by his paralegal and said to her.... call so and so for Mr. NB, or call Mr NB~ phone call no one answers~It take one minute~they charge 15 minutes! That's $75.00 added to the bill! The bill adds up FAST. I know I have been there and received such bills from them~they are their OWN timekeeper.~these guys are not your typical Sunday School teachers~they LOVE to work by the hour, I prefer a set price.

[Johnb]

Yes.  a couple is preferred but the fact that you are her aunt and close will go a long way.  First you need to ask to foster her.  That will put her in your home and help start the process.  Does anyone else have legal guardianship at this time? There is also foster/adoption groups in almost every area join one.  There are some classes you have to take to be a foster parent.  Fostering will get her in your house and start the process.  adoption is a long process.  Don't delay and let her get lost in the system.  We are having a foster/adopt group meeting this month in the building that we give food to the poor from.  I have a good friend who has adopted a daughter I will talk with him and see what advise he has and let you know.  PS thanks for your heart.  Sorry for your loss.

[Faithbuilders]

OMW: I will pray for her! And you that things work out. It would be better that she is adopted by someone she knows, and loves her, then to be placed in an "unknown" home! Preteen to teens have a very hard time getter adopted out. So I will pray for you both! As for the legal stuff, I agree with contacting someone who knows. It will depend on the parents will, If they have a plan for her in there will.

[NievaBelinz28]

Hire a lawyer for such legal advice~besides you need one anyway most likely. You may spend $5,000.00 give or take. Most charge about $300.00 per hour~some may do it for a set charge. Do you live in the same state? Did her parents have a will stating their desire concerning her? My children do for their children.

Here's how the per hour works: The lawyer walks by his paralegal and said to her.... call so and so for Mr. NB, or call Mr NB~ phone call no one answers~It take one minute~they charge 15 minutes! That's $75.00 added to the bill! The bill adds up FAST. I know I have been there and received such bills from them~they are their OWN timekeeper.~these guys are not your typical Sunday School teachers~they LOVE to work by the hour, I prefer a set price.

I will follow your advice. I will hire a lawyer this week and talk over things. I want the kid to stay with me and I know it'll be better for now than be with anyone else. Thank you so much.

[NievaBelinz28]

Yes.  a couple is preferred but the fact that you are her aunt and close will go a long way.  First you need to ask to foster her.  That will put her in your home and help start the process.  Does anyone else have legal guardianship at this time? There is also foster/adoption groups in almost every area join one.  There are some classes you have to take to be a foster parent.  Fostering will get her in your house and start the process.  adoption is a long process.  Don't delay and let her get lost in the system.  We are having a foster/adopt group meeting this month in the building that we give food to the poor from.  I have a good friend who has adopted a daughter I will talk with him and see what advise he has and let you know.  PS thanks for your heart.  Sorry for your loss.

I know it'll be better if the kid stays with me. I am her closest relative and I know I can give her the love and care she need. I hope the lawyer I'll hire this week can help with this issue. Thanks a lot!

[RB]

I will follow your advice. I will hire a lawyer this week and talk over things. I want the kid to stay with me and I know it'll be better for now than be with anyone else. Thank you so much.

Johnb gave some very good advice you need to consider his as well.

[Dulcie]

My Aunt adopted me, but took legal advice first. My adoption went through without hitch.

I will pray for you.

[Johnb]

You seldom need a lawyer for this process unless someone else has legal guardianship or some other relative is also wanting custody.  They prefer to place the children with a relative.  There are nearly 500'000 kids looking for foster homes.  You are the no brainer for getting this done.  They dream of having a close relative with a good job to take a child like this. A few bucks for some legal advice is OK but not an expensive process.  There should be a foster/adopt organization in your area that would be the best source of help and information.