Adopting A Step Child Process

[Missyalice]

Hello Everone, My husband is planning to adopt my son (previous marriage). Does anyone here knows the process and procedures for adopting a step child? How much does it cost? How long does it takes? Please need your advise.

Missy

[Missyalice]

Oh by the way, we are now in the UK and my son is using my husband's surname in school already. Your advise is appreciated.

Missy

[IanB]

My understanding is that adoption does not give your husband any additional rights or benefits compared to just being the step dad. Even if you were to die (sorry to mention it), the chances are your husband would retain custody in the child's interests. For thoese reasons I never adopted my Thai step daughter and it never affected anything.

Having said that, I am not a lawyer and might be talking rubbish!

Ian

[joebloggs]

not easy but , you need to find out for yourself.. read this thread..

http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php?t=3330&highlight=adoption

[cinmickey28]

Hello Missy,

To adopt your partner's child or a relative who lives in the UK. You will need to tell your local council that you plan to adopt at least three months before starting your adoption.

Maybe this website can help http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Adoptionfosteringandchildrenincare/AdoptionAndFostering/DG_10021340.

[Missyalice]

Thanks Ian, Joe and Cinmickey. I am reading and studying the link for whatever will be best. Again, thank you!:)

[bigtombowski]

it sounds like from what Ian says that ... adoption is not so important ... it's just a piece of paper ... :)

make sure u do what is WISE!




i gotta go to bed
2:45am! lol


tom

[Missyalice]

Thanks for your concerned Tom. My hubby and I are thinking about adoption for the reason that as a family we would want all to be having the same surname.

As we have already our own son, and he wanted them to be equal shared as he has been considered by my son as his own father since he was three years old and now he is nearly 7 years old.

[IanB]

Alice,

your child can take your husbands surname without adoption, as I understand it. Laws on surnames in the UK are pretty relaxed. It can become confusing. My step daughter was known by her Thai name at school and by my name outside. But I could easily have cleared that by telling the school. I think the earlier you let everyone know the better.

I just checked the passport service. They say to ring and ask about changing a child's name. However, I also note that it only costs £35 to change a child's name by deed poll. That makes it official on every UK document including a passport.

The only case I can think of needing to adopt is if you think there is a real danger that the child's natural father might want custody if you die.

Ian

[Missyalice]

Thanks again Ian. We might consider deed poll aside from adoption then. We will try to study which is best. Thanks again to everyone:)

[joebloggs]

Thanks again Ian. We might consider deed poll aside from adoption then. We will try to study which is best. Thanks again to everyone:)

yes you can change by deed poll, but it would be difficult to change his bio fathers name on his birth cert.

[IanB]

Yes, you cannot change either the bio father or his name on the birth certificate by deed poll. Can you by adoption?

[cinmickey28]

I will try to brought this up to my hubby. Then will decide which to consider doing by adoption or deed poll. We will try to inquire the process then and consider the advantages and disadvantages. Thanks again Mod Joebloggs and IanB:)