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If the state is not involved, your attorney will file the adoption in the appropriate court on your behalf. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled to give the birth parents an opportunity to file a response to the petition.   If the birth parents both consent, they will sign notarized forms surrendering their parental rights. At this stage, the family of the other parent may request the right to intervene or contest the adoption. If a state agency is involved, you will need their cooperation and approval for a kinship adoption. A supportive social worker can be your biggest asset.   The agency should have the documents needed for the adoption, such as certified birth certificates and parental death certificates. They also have access to records that can help locate absentee parents for service and consent. Cooperate fully with requested home visits, interviews, and criminal background checks. Most states have laws in place to streamline these procedures and give preference to blood relatives, but your cooperation is essential. Be open and honest. After the state becomes involved, there is no "private family business." Grandparents may be asked to submit to physical examinations to determine if they are healthy enough to be adoptive parents for young children. If you are looking to adopt a grandchild or the child of your sibling, talk with the family member birth parent about consenting to the adoption. You should also talk to the rest of the immediate family about their feelings. Forcing the court to sever parental rights can cause dissent in the family that is not good for the child. You may need to provide your own birth certificates, marriage and divorce documents, and employment records. Don't keep any secrets from your lawyer. If there is something in your past that may be an issue, such as a former drug problem, health issue, or criminal conviction, be honest about it before it becomes an issue in the adoption.  If your attorney is court-appointed, Legal Aid, or working pro bono, you will likely be able to get the court filing fees waived. Speak with your attorney about the records you will have to provide. If there is a child welfare case, the state will handle the severance of the birth parents' rights. If the case goes to trial, you may be called to testify about anything you witnessed and about how you have been caring for the child. If you receive a subpoena or other notice from the state, contact your attorney immediately.
Institute an adoption proceeding. Seek agency cooperation. Discuss consent to the adoption. Work with your attorney.