We're on the precipice of getting our K-1 visa and being able to move to the United States. This has finally given me some mental space to start considering the logistics of life back in the US, including the fact that I will be a step-parent after our marriage.
My would-be stepdaughter is 4 years old. Her father is alive and well, has some interest in the child, and has given us his blessing to move to the US (including giving us formal permission to leave their native country, which is required when the child is leaving the country with one parent).
My question is, how does it work in the States (Virginia specifically, but we'll be moving elsewhere most likely)? Let's say my fiance is incapacitated. Does a social worker come for my step-daughter? Does my fiance have to be at every one of her doctor's appointments?
In terms of getting some rights to the child, what are my options (assuming the father agrees)? I'd be willing to adopt, but I'm sure it's not something that's tenable, at least not yet. I know legal guardianship exists, but based on what I'm reading, it's only for those cases where both natural parents rescind their parental rights. Is there something that would work for my situation? Something that would give me some authority over the child's well being, and in cases of emergency, prevent her from just simply being taken from me just because it's hospital protocol or something.
And if there is something (and this is the part that is immigration related), how do we go about proving the father's permission? Do we get a notarized statement with an apostille?
Hopefully, these weren't stupid questions. Internet searches haven't given me a lot of answers, so I'm thinking, people around here may have some experience in this area.