Can you adopt your girlfriends kids without being married?

Answer 1

No. The courts always ask for a marriage in a situation like this. It's to make it a bit more sure you will stay together. The parent and children is a package. Some states also have a rule that you should have been married for at least 2 years before you can apply for adoption.

Answer 2

Answer here is pursuant to TN law only, and this DOES NOTconstitute legal advice. The answer to your question, under those terms, is not necessarily. In order to adopt, a Judge would first have to find that it was in the child's best interests to terminate his or her natural father's parental rights, and that there were "grounds" for terminating those rights (abandonment, abuse, etc.). Then, a Judge would have to find that it was in the child's best interest for you to adopt. A Judge might question whether or not it was in a child's interest for someone to adopt who is not committed enough to the mother to marry her.

Once an adoption occurs, you are on the hook just as if you were the natural father. In other words, if your relationship with Mom goes South, you will be tagged with child support, paying for health insurance, etc. If you later marry and have children of your own, the adopted child would inherit from you just as your natural children would. Kids are cute but they come with a hefty amount of responsibility.

Answer 3

You need to check the laws in your particular jurisdiction. While this type of adoption is possible in some jurisdictions, a number of states still frown upon second-parent adoptions by unmarried couples. You need to consult with a local attorney who specializes in adoption. In Utah, for example, co-habitating couples who are not married are prohibited from legal adoption.

Answer 4

Ya, but that would take the kids away from your girlfriend.

Answer 5

no you do not