ADOPTION: MINNESOTA
Adoption services are one of the most enjoyable things that an attorney can provide. However, depending on the nature of the adoption, the matter can be either very straightforward or complex and expensive. Most of the expense, however, is not legal fees but fees for the evaluations required by state statute.
An adoption by a relative or stepparent can be very straightforward but it still requires the consent of the biological parents in most cases. If one parent refuses to consent, the parties can try to terminate that parent's parental rights. The requirements which permit such termination are very specific so be sure to discuss the matter with your counsel. Unfortunately if a termination procedure is required, you will have to have two separate legal proceedings. The first is to terminate a parent’s parental rights and the second for the adoption.
An adoption by a person who is not related to the person to be adopted and is not a stepparent must go through an investigation phase that is often cumbersome and quite expensive. The groups that do these evaluations required significant retainers.
If you have questions concerning this subject, please take advantage of my free telephone consultation.