Want to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic could impact your second parent adoption in New Hampshire? Here are the answers to your most frequently asked questions:
Yes, but we can “meet” over video (Zoom, Skype or Facetime) or over the phone. The initial consult is free and gives me a chance to explain the second parent adoption process to you.
Yes. I can send you the court paperwork by mail, and you will return it to me by mail The courts are still requiring notarization for the adoption paperwork, but there are remote options for getting this accomplished. Specifically, you can use your bank’s drive through to interact with the notary. Alternatively, we can arrange for a video notarization to take place. As for the court hearing, I can ask those to be done telephonically or via videoconference so there’s no need to bring the baby to the courthouse.
While the New Hampshire courts are operational during the current pandemic, they have new procedures in place to make the process more contact-free. I think we can expect everything to take longer than it did in the past. As a guesstimate, I would say 2-6 months to complete the process.
Not right now. The court buildings are closed to the public, except for emergencies. It would be an extremely rare situation where a second parent adoption would constitute an emergency. I know this is disappointing for everyone, but it’s the safest course for now.
Please call the court’s information center at 1-855-212-1234 for instructions. However, access to second parent adoption files is restricted, so don’t be surprised if the court refuses to confirm that an adoption petition has even been filed. Alternatively, I can request a copy of the document for you.
This bill was moving along favorably, but the Legislature has been out of session due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, it’s unclear if the Legislature will be able to finish its work on this bill. If the Legislature does not continue its work, the bill will not become a law this session.
Generally, a home study is not required for second parent adoptions in New Hampshire.
No. You can use a remote notarization process (see above) to fill out the necessary form. Fingerprints are not typically required in New Hampshire.
There may be some options here–please contact me to set up a free consult.
Want to learn more about second parent adoptions in New Hampshire. Contact me today to set up your free telephonic or video consult.
