Adopting My Sister's Baby

[N&DWegner]

My husband and I want to adopt my sister's baby. We live in Oregon. She lives in Idaho. We are wondering what we need to do to adopt her baby! Do we still need to get a lawyer? If so, in what state? The baby is going to be born in Idaho and we want to bring her back to Oregon. Any information would be helpful! We are just starting in this journey! The baby is due Dec. 26th. the father is unknown. Thank-you
~nicole

[aaron]

Where does she intend for the baby to be born?

[N&DWegner]

Where does she intend for the baby to be born?

In Moscow, Idaho

[aaron]

Would the plan be for your sister to then come to Oregon, and for the adoption proceedings to proceed in Oregon?

[N&DWegner]

I dont know? Is that what would need to be done? We want it to be as quick and easy as possiable on a limited bugdet. We (both my sister and I) are willing to do whatever is nessissary! My sister want as little contact as possible with the newborn! She wants us (my husband & I plus baby) to go back to Oregon ASAP!

[Neal1421]

Where is the child's father?

[N&DWegner]

The Father is Unknown

[aaron]

It should be possible to proceed with adoption in Utah, and that state's laws do not require a home study for an adoption by a close relative (such as an aunt) unless a court deems it necessary. (Utah Code, § 78-30-3.5). I would suggest consulting some family lawyers in the county where the birth will occur, to see how much a local lawyer would charge to help you with the process. Adoption proceedings can be procedurally complicated, and it would be even harder to represent yourselves if you are trying to conduct proceedings in another state. The father is entitled to notice of the proceedings (Utah Code § 78-30-4.13). That may require notification of multiple possible fathers or, if the father is truly unkown, notice by publication. You can read Utah's adoption statutes here.

[N&DWegner]

Does that info apply to IDAHO as well? That's where the baby will be born! My husband and I live in OREGON.

[aaron]

Idaho... Utah... There's a difference? (Or perhaps I should just say "oops".)

Idaho's adoption laws are here.