How Could my Fiance adopt my kids?

[PlusUltra 8]

Hi VJers,

How could my fiance (soon to be husband) adopt my kids so that they could have his last name?

[Hank_ 9,174]

You will have to check the laws for the state where you will be living in the USA.

[PlusUltra 8]

You will have to check the laws for the state where you will be living in the USA.

Thanks, Hank! How will we check that exactly? Sorry about this. Please note though that the kids will not be enjoying the benefits of K2 (my mum/their grandmum will be devastated if I do so). Thanks in advance!

[Darnell 8,479]

Adoption without k-2 then greencard? Pleease rethink this

[PlusUltra 8]

Adoption without k-2 then greencard? Pleease rethink this

Hi Darnell. Unfortunately, my mum would be devastated and we just have to risk that as we are still starting out as a couple and can't afford to bring them there as yet.

[Darnell 8,479]

Is easier to adopt after they have green cards and residency in usa.

attempt it prior, when kids are in the PI, and uscitizen must reside in PI with them for a minimum of 3 years.

instead, suggest you study ir-2 visa and map out a calendar based on money accumulation and their ages. Age-out can be an issue, so be diligent with your calendar-prep.

and switch to using a pc when yer able, as handphone research is abysmal.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Thanks, Hank! How will we check that exactly? Sorry about this. Please note though that the kids will not be enjoying the benefits of K2 (my mum/their grandmum will be devastated if I do so). Thanks in advance!

You have the cart before the horse... brings you children to the USA, then move forward with adoption.

[Natepartlan 11]

Thanks, Hank! How will we check that exactly? Sorry about this. Please note though that the kids will not be enjoying the benefits of K2 (my mum/their grandmum will be devastated if I do so). Thanks in advance!

Wait, devastated that you would be taking them with you? Won't you be even more devastated leaving them behind? Only my opinion, but I think the mother-child relationship overpowers the grandparent or great-grandparent. They've had plenty of time to assume this was coming when you started the fiance process so time to get on board (and if you guys didn't sit down and have an honest conversation about this, shame on you).

In another post you mention cost. I'd side with the person who told you to rethink this. I think you're going to incur much more cost in the long run with delayed travel than if you guys find a way to do the k2 now, but you have to crunch the numbers and really be sure of this for your own situation.

Regarding the adoption, I found this here (seems like it may apply)http://travel.state.gov/content/adoptionsabroad/en/adoption-process/who-can-adopt/adopting-a-relative-for-incoming-cases.html

Stepchild Immigration

U.S. citizen stepparents who wish to bring a stepchild to the United States are not required to follow the Convention or orphan adoption immigration procedures in cases where the U.S. citizen married the childs parent before the childs 18th birthday.

A stepparent may file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative for a stepchild (spouses child) to qualify for an immediate relative visa.

http://www.uscis.gov/family/family-us-citizens/children/bringing-children-sons-and-daughters-live-united-states-permanent-residents

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/111-bringing-family-members-of-us-citizens-to-america/

At any rate best of luck, and as always, share what you learn for others' benefit!

[Brassballs 48]

Another option might be to apply for a name change in lieu of adoption. Procedures vary in each state. So google search "name change (STATE)' and see what comes up.