Back Story: My fiance's nephew Carter has been under the care of his grandparents since he was an infant. Carter's mother (Darci) is no longer in the same state we are and hasn't been for over six months. She hasn't seen Carter in over 5 months and only calls sporadically. Darci recieves child support however, doesn't send any of the money to Kyle's parents. His parents have no legal rights filed through the courts in regards to the guardianship of Carter, his mother just basically abandoned him and calls whenever she wants.
Kyle's parents are considering moving to Canada for a year in the next 6 months and want to leave Carter with us. We feel it would be in his best interest and that of our family to proceed (if we are able to) with getting custody of him.
Anyone gone through something similar or adoption in general?
Re: Considering adoption. Advice? Information?
be aware that in most stars a phone call resets the abandonment clock the same as a visit even if it's to the adult watching the child and not the child.
My parents managed to get custody of my cousin in a similar situation (she was older though) but it was difficult and ultimately my parents had to negotiate with my Cousin's mom (my uncle was deceased) and pressure/convince her to give them gaurdianship since she don't want to give up my cousin's military survivor benefits she received from her Dad's death.
also the dad will have to be dealt with if he's paying child support it can be tricky though depending on the situation he may agree to sign over his rights in exchange for no child support. What's his situation? Would he at all be a decent parent?
His father pays child support to Carter's mother but has never been involved with Carter- Does not want to be. Thank you for your advice!
To be frank, Carter's dad had a one night stand with Darcie (Carter's mom) he wants nothing to do with Carter and hasn't since the day Carter was born. He has two kids with another woman now to whom he is married to but she will not allow him to have anything to do with Carter. (Real messed up) My DH Kyle, is almost certain we could get Jeremy (Carter's dad) to sign over rights, but I know Darci would not!
Thank you so much for your advice! I will definitely start there. I understand my DH (Kyle) and I are in for a fight, but I think Carter deserves to have a good family to be a part of where he will be loved, secure with, and above all stable. Darci (his mother) has never provided that intention or effort for him and it just breaks my heart. Being that I have a little girl of my own as well as one on the way, I don't want his instability with his mother to create complications with our family later down the road. My DH adores Carter and it would break his heart to see Carter in a situation where he would be abused and eventually a warden of the state. I appreciate your feedback!!
We are seeking another way to receive even legal guardianship for Carter. I'm not against her being in his life, I just believe as a mother myself, that she is doing more damage to his mental and emotional well being than any contribution. Carter deserves more!! Darci (Carter's mom) will not relinguish her rights because she needs the child support money and as mad as she makes me, I'm sure deep down she loves him. She acts in no way like a mother though. Carter's dad (Jeremy) has no contact or involvment with Carter and Kyle (My DH) spoke with him previously about this intention and Jeremy was completely on board wtih awarding us guardianship. So we're in for a fight
I sincerely appreciate your response ladies! I feel like we have more direction as to what steps we should/could take. Win or lose, Carter is worth the fight and hard work to try and get this worked out for his benefit. God bless you all and thanks again!