What happens in court?

[John_in_MO]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Missouri

I am in the process of adopting my step-children. I couldn't afford a lawyer and the biological father voluntarily signed the termination of parental rights so we decided to do it pro se. All of the forms have been filed correctly and the TPR checked by the juvenile office (ordered by judge). Home study has been completed, background check done. Court date next week, what will happen? Will the judge expect me and my wife to "question" each other to put our story together? What usually happens before the judge? Please offer some advice

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Missouri

I am in the process of adopting my step-children. I couldn't afford a lawyer and the biological father voluntarily signed the termination of parental rights so we decided to do it pro se. All of the forms have been filed correctly and the TPR checked by the juvenile office (ordered by judge). Home study has been completed, background check done. Court date next week, what will happen? Will the judge expect me and my wife to "question" each other to put our story together? What usually happens before the judge? Please offer some advice

The judge will likely ask you both some questions, review the TPR, home studies and background checks, and grant the adoption. The judge will not expect you and your wife to question each other.

 

[LillianX]

If you've got all of your paperwork in order, it's just a simple matter of the judge reviewing it, asking you each a few questions, and offering his congratulations. After all is said and done, you and your wife get to begin the tedious task of changing the childrens' names EVERYWHERE. Good luck, and congratulations!