My Pregnant Daughter is a Minor with a Drug Habit, How do I File for Adoption for my Unborn Grandchild?
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Summary
What is the proceedure in Oklahoma to file custody of my unborn grandchild, the mother is 17, unmarried and a meth user? |
“What is the proceedure in Oklahoma to file custody of my unborn grandchild, the mother is 17, unmarried and a meth user?”
Oklahoma uses a “best interests” of the child standard. Grandparents may be of the class of people who can take custody of a child if the parents are found to be unfit. The child’s father may have something to say about all this, as his rights will be superior to yours. There is a program through the Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services that you can check out that may facilitate your adoption. Having said that, there does not seem to be support of you bringing an action while the child is still in utero (See e.g. In re Unborn Child Julie Starks, 18 P.3d 342 (Okla. 2001) Holding “Oklahoma Children’s Code does not apply to a fetus, viable or nonviable.”)
Would your daughter be willing to come into your home and let you take care of her during the pregnancy and after? Your argument for adoption would be bolstered in the future if you were the ones actually taking care of the child after it is born.
I did not find anything that you can file yourself right now, so check with a local attorney. There are Health and Human Services programs available for your daughter if she is willing to attend. Perhaps nurturing her and encouraging her to seek help may be the best thing you can do right now for your yet-to-be-born grandchild, rather than running to the Courts.
Request a confidential divorce or family law case evaluation with an attorney in your area right now! Don’t delay! Time wasted can have a serious impact on the outcome of a family law case!
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For more on this subject check out these categories: Family Law, Child Custody, Adoption, Grandparents Rights
Michael Durgavich is an accomplished attorney and mediator. Maintaining a general practice in the San Jose, California area, Mr. Durgavich specializes in family law, bankruptcy, and alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Durgavich can be reached through his website at http://www.MichaelDurgavich.com. Contact This Author
State laws vary, and the above is intended as general advice, and not direct legal advice regarding any one particular situation in any one state. For direct personal legal advice related to your own situation you should consult an attorney familiar with the laws of your state and with your situation.