SeifLaw Blog

Grandparent’s have the right to adopt children under certain circumstances. My office is presently handling a grandparent adoption case where the mother died several years ago and the grandparents have stepped in as guardians of the children. The father in this particular case had not been an active participant in the children’s life for several years. What is significant for my family law readers is that this adoption case may end up as a full blown trial since the biological father is presently contesting the adoption of the children. Courts have enormous discretion in the family law area to decide what is in the best interest of the children. There are many factors that courts will consider including but not limited to:

• · Secure home environment
• · Health, safety, and well-fare
• · Financial ability to care for children
• · Bonds that have been developed with the child
• · Continuity of care
• · Criminal history of parties looking to adopt
• · Input from the child

In this particular case the judge has ordered a guardian ad-litem to meet with the parties and file a report to the court. The opportunity to have a guardian can be invaluable in that this objective party can advise the judge on what is truly in the best interest of the children taking into account all relevant factors.

If you have any questions regarding a child adoption case please feel free to call the law office of David Seif for a free consultation.