Brad Pitt is facing a stream of legal red tape in his attempts to adopt Angelina Jolie's two children - because he's not yet married to the sexy actress.

It was recently announced the 41-year-old actor was in the process of filing for legal guardianship of his Mr. and Mrs. Smith co-star's adopted children, Maddox, four, and Zahara, 11 months. But his decision to adopt the youngsters will result in months of paperwork, in-home supervision and a high fee, which he could avoid if he exchanged nuptials with the twice-wed beauty.

David Baum, president of the Academy Of California Adoption Lawyers, says, "This is not the easiest way of doing things. Frequently what you do if you are in a relationship with someone and you want to adopt their children, you marry them and do a step-parent adoption. There are extra requirements when you are not related by marriage to the children you are adopting."

In Los Angeles County, the fees for a step-parent adoption are $775, and the process takes approximately three to six months, Baum says. But with Pitt filing as a second parent, the star, ex-husband of Jennifer Aniston, can expect to pay a home study fee of $2,950 and face far more scrutiny. The county will also seek letters of reference, which will remain confidential to protect the children.

Source: IMDB

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Posted by Lawren at December 7, 2005 07:43 AM | Trackbacks (0)

You Said

I still say this is part of Angelina's pre-nup demands, i.e, he has to adopt before she marries him. After she marries him, he might change his mind about adopting. She could still make child support part of her pre-nup without the adoption but I guess this is the way she wants it or maybe he's just really smitten and is making a grand gesture. I don't know.

Says: Nanc' at December 7, 2005 08:07 AM

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Good. Almost like a test of parenthood and commitment.

Says: Lynne at December 7, 2005 09:29 AM

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This photo is too funny.

Says: J.BOND at December 9, 2005 06:08 PM

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