Can a parent have contact with the child once the Step Parent Adoption is complete?
The biological parent would not have any legal rights once he is no longer identified as the parent. However, the parents can allow for contact if desired.
If I do not know where the parent is, can my spouse still do a Step Parent Adoption?
Yes, it still may be possible. There are a number of criteria to consider which the Attorney would go over with you. There are procedures set by the court for instances when the biological parents were married, or if they were not married.
How long does a Step Parent Adoption take?
A Step Parent Adoption takes approximately 1 year. During this time there will be an evaluation by a court-appointed evaluator who visits the step-parent and makes a report. There will also be a court appearance in judge’s chambers.
Can the biological parent still have contact with the child after the adoption?
This would be up to the parents involved. We at Legal Action Workshop only handle the adoption of children when the parents are related or friends. We do not handle Agency adoption.
What makes an Annulment different from a Divorce?
A Divorce creates community property rights which requires approximately 50% distribution to each of the parties. An Annulment voids the marriage from the beginning so that any property acquired would be separate property of the person who acquired it. Likewise, any debt incurred would be the separate liability of the person who incurred the debt.
Do I have to see a Judge to be granted an Annulment?
In most cases, courts require testimony in front of a Judge to support the reason for the Annulment. However, some courts allow Annulments to take place by declaration instead of requiring a court appearance. The Attorney will advise you as to the requirements of your court.
If I am served with a Legal Separation should I file a Response?
When you are served with Legal Separation papers, you should get legal advice as to what to do. Normally, you would file a response because there are issues that need to be addressed. In the instance that you are served with Legal Separation papers, but you want to Divorce instead, then that would be stated in the Response. In this case, you would now be dealing with Divorce and not Legal Separation. Your attorney can advise you as to your best options.
What if I am served with Annulment papers and I do not agree?
If you are served, you should get legal advice and do a response. This means that you are contesting the grounds for annulment. You will have a time before the judge to state your side of the case.
Do I have to make a court appearance to finalize a Legal Separation?
You do not have to go to court if you and your spouse will agree on your issues. Once agreements are made, the Attorney can prepare a Legal Separation Agreement which outlines in detail the terms of the Legal Separation. Once this document is signed and notarized it is filed with all other necessary documents and finalizes the Legal Separation without a court appearance.
Should I respond when I am served with Annulment papers?
When you are served with Annulment papers, you should get legal advice as to you particular situation. If you agree with the allegations in the Annulment, then you may not need to respond and can allow the Annulment to proceed.
.gif)
