Donation protected
Dear Friends and Family,
I’m hoping you will join me in helping a local family to make their already-strong bond even more permanent and stable and, most important, recognized by the law. I’m asking that you make a financial contribution toward the legal fees for a loving step-father to adopt his three step-children, including my dear little friend Rubi. I am hoping to raise $3,500.
As many of you know, I met Rubi, now age 11, in October 2019 when we were matched as mentor/mentee through a local program (similar to Big Brothers Big Sisters). When we first started spending time together, she was so shy and timid she could barely speak above a whisper. Every Saturday that fall and winter, while we hiked and biked, did crafts projects, baked cookies, etc., she opened up a little at a time.
I came to learn that the man Rubi calls “my dad” is actually her step-father. Her biological father, who had physically abused her mother, was arrested and deported in 2016. The three children have heard nothing from him since, not even a phone call.
Antonio, her step-father, met Rubi’s mom, Elizabeth, at church in 2017, and they were married in 2019. Rubi clearly adores him. And he obviously has a strong and loving bond with all three children. Antonio works in the orchards near Hood River, in Parkdale, and in the summers all three children work with him. He is a kind and generous man who makes sure that I get a few large bags of cherries and pears!
Recently, Rubi asked me if I could help her “father” adopt her and her two brothers. I looked into it, thinking that as a retired family law lawyer I might be able to help with forms, etc. Uh, no. Adoption is a VERY complicated process involving termination of parental rights, background checks, approval from the state. I quickly determined that it wasn’t a good idea for me to try to do it, especially involving a biological father in a different country.
I have spoken with a local lawyer who is willing to take the case. Elizabeth has learned that her former husband is willing to relinquish his parental rights, will accept service, and will not contest the proceeding. This means that the process will be less complicated (and expensive) than it might otherwise be. But the lawyer still estimated that fees and costs could range from $2,500 to $3,500.
I am asking your help to raise the funds for this adoption. The need to strengthen and stabilize this family is even more critical given that Rubi’s mother has a history of thyroid cancer. After two surgeries, she is currently in remission; but of course she is concerned that the cancer may return. It would be traumatic and de-stabilizing if something were to happen to her and the children had no parent who was present and desirous of caring for them. An adoption would give Antonio legal rights to parent these children in the event of Elizabeth’s death. He wants these rights, and the obligations that go with them.
Please help me make this happen. Any contribution is appreciated and welcome. Any funds received in excess of what ends up being needed to pay the legal fees/costs will be used to purchase shoes and clothing for the children.
Thank you,
Colleen McMonagle
I’m hoping you will join me in helping a local family to make their already-strong bond even more permanent and stable and, most important, recognized by the law. I’m asking that you make a financial contribution toward the legal fees for a loving step-father to adopt his three step-children, including my dear little friend Rubi. I am hoping to raise $3,500.
As many of you know, I met Rubi, now age 11, in October 2019 when we were matched as mentor/mentee through a local program (similar to Big Brothers Big Sisters). When we first started spending time together, she was so shy and timid she could barely speak above a whisper. Every Saturday that fall and winter, while we hiked and biked, did crafts projects, baked cookies, etc., she opened up a little at a time.
I came to learn that the man Rubi calls “my dad” is actually her step-father. Her biological father, who had physically abused her mother, was arrested and deported in 2016. The three children have heard nothing from him since, not even a phone call.
Antonio, her step-father, met Rubi’s mom, Elizabeth, at church in 2017, and they were married in 2019. Rubi clearly adores him. And he obviously has a strong and loving bond with all three children. Antonio works in the orchards near Hood River, in Parkdale, and in the summers all three children work with him. He is a kind and generous man who makes sure that I get a few large bags of cherries and pears!
Recently, Rubi asked me if I could help her “father” adopt her and her two brothers. I looked into it, thinking that as a retired family law lawyer I might be able to help with forms, etc. Uh, no. Adoption is a VERY complicated process involving termination of parental rights, background checks, approval from the state. I quickly determined that it wasn’t a good idea for me to try to do it, especially involving a biological father in a different country.
I have spoken with a local lawyer who is willing to take the case. Elizabeth has learned that her former husband is willing to relinquish his parental rights, will accept service, and will not contest the proceeding. This means that the process will be less complicated (and expensive) than it might otherwise be. But the lawyer still estimated that fees and costs could range from $2,500 to $3,500.
I am asking your help to raise the funds for this adoption. The need to strengthen and stabilize this family is even more critical given that Rubi’s mother has a history of thyroid cancer. After two surgeries, she is currently in remission; but of course she is concerned that the cancer may return. It would be traumatic and de-stabilizing if something were to happen to her and the children had no parent who was present and desirous of caring for them. An adoption would give Antonio legal rights to parent these children in the event of Elizabeth’s death. He wants these rights, and the obligations that go with them.
Please help me make this happen. Any contribution is appreciated and welcome. Any funds received in excess of what ends up being needed to pay the legal fees/costs will be used to purchase shoes and clothing for the children.
Thank you,
Colleen McMonagle
Organizer
Colleen McMonagle
Organizer
Hood River, OR