Stay a legal guardian or adopt?

Question

Hello Glow members, how are you this evening? My story began when my brother was brought into my life about 6 months ago. Recently, in August my half-brothers mom passed away in a house fire. He is 7, and I am 22. I am full time college student and I have a part time job working at a law firm. I have my own town-home with my fiancé' and my half brother. I currently take online classes for my bachelors degree in Forensic Science. I was wondering if the best option in my situation is to stay a legal guardian until my father comes home from prison in March or to adopt my half-brother and violate my fathers rights (which I'm leaning on not doing). I just wanted some opinions if anyone else has been through this process. Thank you for your time and understanding

Answer

I personally would adopt as you will be able to provide a more stable environment for him right now. It's hard getting on your feet fresh out of prison. Especially when you're trying to support a child as well.

Answer

This is a hard decision. Your father will need time to get use to life outside of prison. Where will he live? Will he be a stable parent or will he go back to whatever landed him in prison in the first place? Does your brother even want to live with him? If you are not sure you want to adopt, is there any other family member that could? With the few details given I would say you should at least stay his long term guardian. Good luck.

Answer

Honesty getting out of prison is hard for many people without having a child to support. I think for both his father and your brother, adopting would be the best option. However this is a lifetime commitment. You need to make sure you are completely ready to be the full time parent for his entire life. Make sure you and your fiancé are on the same page and are both in this together. Good luck.

Answer

I think you should adopt. This poor child needs stability in his life. If you are comfortable that you can provide for him for a long time then I say go for it. You have a big heart ❤️. Good luck!

Answer

Personally, I would adopt him.  
He's experienced a lot of upheaval and heartbreak in the past year of his life; stability is what every child needs; remaining legal guardian leaves the doors open for all kinds of chaos , stress, and instability to occur.  Adopting him would close those doors and allow you, your partner, and your brother to settle in to your familial roles without worry that his life could be turned upside down (from the perspective of guardianship and custody) at any moment.
Adoption doesn't mean your father can't be involved in your brothers life; he can be involved to wherever degree both you and your brother are comfortable with.  
In your case, adoption isn't necessarily about providing your brother with a family; he has a family in you, your partner, and your father; it's about ensuring that security and stability are present, and unnecessary chaos and upheaval are absent...

Stay a legal guardian or adopt?

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