How to Adopt a Relative
There are many reasons why you may want to adopt a relative. Maybe the child's biological parents have died or are unable to care for her. Maybe the parents have mistreated the child, and she will go into foster care if a relative can't be found to raise her. Whatever the reason, the decision to adopt a relative means that the child will remain a part of her biological family. This can be a rewarding decision for everyone involved. There are just a few things to know when you want to adopt a relative.
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Instructions
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Find out whether you legally fit the definition of "relative" in your state. In most states, a sibling, aunt, uncle, grandparent or great-grandparent is considered a relative for adoption purposes. Cousins are normally not afforded relative status in adoption cases.
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Visit your county courthouse and ask for the appropriate paperwork to fill out to start the adoption process. You can get this paperwork from the clerk of the court. The clerk (or a member of her staff) can also answer any questions you have about relative adoption laws in your state.
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Fill out the paperwork and submit it to the court. You'll then wait to get a hearing date. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks, and you'll be informed of the date via mail.
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Show up to the hearing and answer any questions the judge has for you. At the hearing, you'll be informed of any special requirements you need to fulfill in order to adopt the child.
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Complete any pre-adoption requirements the judge has set out for you. Make sure you do so in the time frame set by the judge.
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Attend the final hearing. Take any evidence with you that you have satisfactorily completed the pre-adoption requirements. You'll fill out the final adoption paperwork at this hearing. After the hearing, you'll be the new legal parent of your relative.
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Tips & Warnings
In order to adopt a relative, the child's birth parents must have had their parental rights terminated by a court. This can be done at the request of the parents or by court order in cases of abuse or neglect.
Find out whether a home study is required. Some states do not require home studies for relatives wishing to adopt. However, this is not the case in every state.
