If I’ve had sole custody of my 8-year-old niece for the past 6 years, what I can do to adopt her so this matter can finally be put to rest?

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If I’ve had sole custody of my 8-year-old niece for the past 6 years, what I can do to adopt her so this matter can finally be put to rest?

I have not received any support from either of her parents. There is currently a custody order in place between myself and my sister naming me as the primary custodian for my niece. The 2 year period for this custody order is coming up in February and my sister is still not fit to care for her own child. She does not have a place to live and does not have any care set up for my niece.

Asked on January 8, 2013 under Family Law, Maryland

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

Under the laws of all states in this order in order to adopt your niece one or both parents (biological) must sign an adoption agreement subject to a court order approving the adoption where you would be the adoptive parent. Unless one or both of the parents sign such a document you cannot adopt the minor.


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