Dear Debra,
My partner and I were thinking about starting a family but were stumped about the protocol for adoption when one spouse give birth to the child (with sperm from a sperm bank) and the other wants to adopt the (their) child. How can we get the ball rolling before our baby is born and what steps should we take after? Are there any laws protecting our family that will help us during the adoption process? Do we need a lawyer to represent us? And last but not least are there any tips you have to help our case go through the process faster? For example, terms to use or avoid, forms to file first or when to start preparing? We do not reside in Pennsylvania.

Stumped

Dear Stumped,
You and your partner are in a better position than most since you or your partner would be the biological parent. In addition, in some other instances the partner seeking to adopt would have to first seek termination of the other biological parent’s parental rights either by way of voluntary termination by the other biological parent or by way of court ordered termination after a hearing before a Judge. Since the other biological parent in your situation more than likely signed a waiver at the time of donating the sperm you do not have that worry. Next, you and your partner would have to figure out the status quo in your state. By that, I mean does your state recognize same sex adoption? Said in a different way, are the adoption laws in your state written in such a way that would permit a same sex adoption? For example in Pennsylvania under the Adoption law, anyone may petition the court to become an adoptive parent. You need to make sure you educate yourselves respecting the adoption laws of your state. If you and your partner are truly ready to make that commitment and take that plunge the first thing you should do is consult with an attorney who specializes in adoptions, particularly same-sex adoption.

Debra

Dear Debra,
On March 19, I attended Penny for Your Thoughts at William Way. I parked across the street in Five Star Parking. They dented and scratched my car on the passenger front fender side. I have been calling them ever since and still have not had contact with a manager, supervisor or owner. No claim has been turned in by lot person accepting the claim form. I completed a claim before leaving the lot and made a copy of it for my records.

What are my legal rights? How do i get my car fixed? I am upset and stressing over this unresolved issue.

Stressed Out in Delaware

Dear Stressed Out in Delaware,
First and foremost, can you demonstrate the damage actually occurred at the lot and was not present on your car prior to your parking your car in the lot? Do you have pictures of the condition of your car prior to parking in that lot or witnesses who can attest to your car’s condition prior to your having parked it in the lot? If no proof you will have an uphill battle if proof then the next question is did you park you car or was it parked by lot personnel? If you parked it, your uphill battle gets harder; if lot personnel parked it, you can try and send the lot a demand letter. In essence describing the damage to you vehicle, detailing the vehicle condition prior to your arrival in and parking at the lot, demand a sum certain to take care of the damage and warn the lot if they fail to act you will take proper legal action. Always first, determine if the cost of fixing the damage is in the bigger scheme of things cheaper for you to do then to engage an attorney battle for upwards of 2 years and still risk not getting your car fixed!

Debra

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