questions & answers

Question: I have been taking care of a 2 year old since he was 4 months old. His mother is in and out of prision and has had no contact with him, his father is about to go back to jail and has given me a POA but we want to sever mothers rights and move forward with adoption so hes legally mine but arent sure where to start

Answer: These issues are complex with many moving parts.  You would be best served to sit down with a lawyer and figure out what to do next.  There are three programs in Arizona that you can use to get inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the modest means program.  You will need to apply for the program and meet the financial qualifications.  Once you are qualified, Modest Means will send you a list of attorneys whose practice covers your area of concern.  You select a lawyer from the list and will be entitled to a one hour consultation for $75.  If you need additional help and if the lawyer agrees to take your case, the most you will be charged is $75 per hours.  the telephone number is (866) 637-5341.  Both Maricopa County and Pima County have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney for $40.  The telephone number is  (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute attorney consult for $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.