Adoption

questions & answers

Question: ive had this child for 10 years, she thinks im her mom, but i have only legal and Permanente physical custody, i want to adopt her

Answer: This is a very complicated issue with a lot of moving parts.  Your post raises a number of questions.  Why do you have the child?  Do you have legal guardianship?  Does the child have any relationship with the biologic family, and, if so, what is that relationship?  Is the biologic family willing to consent to you adopting the child?  Adoption is governed by both statute and case law.  If adoption is feasible, you would meet one of the criteria because the child resides in your home.  Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 8-103.  You need to discuss your situation with a lawyer who handles juvenile law matters.  You can contact the Arizona State Bar to find lawyers who practice in that area.  Another option is to get some initial advice from a lawyer and decide how to go from there.  There are 3 programs in Arizona that you can use to get some inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the Modest Means Program.  For a $75.00 fee, the Modest Means Program will arrange a one hour consult with an experienced attorney.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341. Both the Maricopa County Bar Association and the Pima County Bar Association have lawyer referral services that offer a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $40.00. The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $35.00.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.