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?
Question Details: 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.
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.
