Can I adopt my grandchild?

You love and care for your grandchild the same way you did your own children. Stepping in and keeping them company while their parents are away is probably something you even embrace. However, you may be considering adopting your grandchild permanently if you are practically raising them due to the circumstances of their parents.

When is grandparent adoption necessary?

Grandparent adoption is not always the best solution, especially if the problem with the parents is temporary. Before you can adopt your grandchild, the biological parents must first give up parental rights. This may cause disagreements within the family.

It is also important to address issues regarding aging. Lower energy levels and age-related problems like joint pain can make it challenging to keep up with a young child. Finances may also become a problem. When biological parents waive their rights, they also hand over the duty to pay child support.

And while every child reacts differently to adoption, some may have difficulty adjusting to their new life. You may need to help them cope with tantrums and other behavioral issues as a result.

Nonetheless, if the child is in danger or if the parents are seriously ill or dying, all these difficulties are pale in comparison. Your grandchild’s development is in jeopardy if their parents or your child is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction or has a history of violence. Adopting your grandchild will allow you to better care for them, especially if you are already raising them.

Requirements for grandparent adoption

When you adopt a child, the court grants you parental rights. You can make critical choices regarding their upbringing, health care, housing, food and other matters.

To complete the adoption, the biological parents’ parental rights must be terminated. In case the parents do not consent, you may need the court to step in and make an order. Then you must finish the adoption process, submit to home inspections, and submit the necessary paperwork for the court to make a ruling.

Adoption by a relative, or kinship adoption, is typically a simpler process than other forms of adoption. However, this is a significant life decision that requires careful consideration. You may want to speak with a family lawyer before taking any further action.