Adoption

questions & answers

Question: I would like to know how my husband can adopt my 5 year old daughter and have her last named changed

Answer: You did not tell us if the child's father is active in her life, if he is listed on the birth certificate, or if he has relinquished his parental rights.  If the child's father is not willing to voluntarily relinquish his parental rights, you will need to terminate his rights before your husband can adopt.  A lawyer's advice is really needed here.  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.