questions & answers

Question: I have had my step daughter since she was 1 year old. She will be 6 soon. I have raised her as my own, taking her to the doctor, school ect. She lives with my husband and our children full time. My husband has full custody. Bio mother has not been in her life consistently ever. She has never taken her to the doctor, paid child support or kept a consistent schedule with her. We have given her several chances. Bio mom has been in and out of jail and not stable. How would we go about having her rights severed so I can adopt her?

Answer: In order to sever the parental rights of the biological mother you must file a petition with the Superior Court of the county in which you reside. After the forms have been filed with the court you must serve the biological mother all the relevant forms and information so that she may, if she chooses, be a part of the process. You will also need to have a “social study” be completed unless it is waived by the court. At that point, you will attend the initial hearing. The court will eventually provide you with a ruling on whether or not they will sever parental rights. For detailed step by step instructions on how to sever parental rights, visit: https://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/sscDocs/pdf/js10hz.pdf For more information and the appropriate forms, visit: https://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/SuperiorCourt/Self-ServiceCenter/Forms/JuvenileCases/juv_jvd2.asp