Why can't Rachel Fuda adopt her stepson? 'RHONJ' star fighting to make her family 'complete'
NEW JERSEY: Rachel Fuda has been attempting to find the ideal team to safeguard her Bravo career since she was introduced to the 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' family. However, when it was first announced that she would be joining the cast last year, her storyline was supposed to revolve around her attempting to adopt her stepson.
Rachel is 32 years old and was born in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. She is married to 35-year-old John Fuda, and the couple operates Valet King together. Rachel is the delighted mother of two girls, Gianella Jolie and Giuliana Rose Fuda, as well as her 16-year-old stepson, Jaiden Fuda. Rachel can be seen talking to a lawyer with her husband in the promo for the upcoming episode posted by Bravo. The lawyer explains to the pair what's preventing Rachel from adopting her stepson.
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Why can't Rachel adopt her stepson?
As Rachel and John drive to the lawyer's office, John inquires whether Jaiden is aware of their plans. Rachel believes they can do better after hearing what the lawyer has to say.
In a confessional, Rachel reveals, "Adopting Jaiden has always been something that's felt like it's missing. For me, personally." Jaiden believed he was adopted by Rachel when she married his father. The child was unaware of the legal implications of the scenario. Rachel believes her family will be "complete" after she adopts Jaiden. She also mentions how well Jaiden treats her children and how much the girls adore their older brother. "This is the last step to solidify to be his legal guardian," she says.
Rachel informs the attorney that Jaiden did not have a "normal" childhood. He had a mother who wasn't present, which was difficult for him to process. She clarifies she has wanted to adopt him for a long time but has been afraid of the consequences. She was terrified of what Jaiden would make of it.
The lawyer tells the couple that they are required by law to serve a notice to Jaiden's birth mother. The procedure requires Rachel to not only be Jaiden's legal guardian but also remove his biological mother's rights over him. The lawyer tells them that if the biological mother opposes, she, too, has the right to an attorney. As a result, the couple may find themselves in a situation where they must choose "contested adoption." In private adoption situations, contested adoptions occur when a legal parent does not consent to the adoption. If the adoptive parents continue to seek finalization, a trial must be held to establish if the legal parent or parents are unsuitable.
Rachel finds it crazy that the biological mother hasn't been around Jaiden in any shape or form since she has been in Jaiden's life, but she still has to ask for Jaiden's mom's permission. "I cannot imagine walking this earth, without having any relationship or any regard for my own children," she tells the camera.
The situation is frustrating for Rachel, who reminds John of the time she has dedicated to trying to be Jaiden's mom. By adopting him, Rachel wants Jaiden to know that he is her "number one priority."
'He won’t let me see him'
John's ex-girlfriend has spoken out about her relationship with their son, 16-year-old Jaiden. On recent episodes of 'RHONJ', Rachel continues to pursue a possible adoption of the child, while former barmaid Brittany Malsch, who is currently serving prison time at a halfway house in Paterson, has accused John of barring her from seeing their son and explained why she gave up her custodial rights over a decade ago.
Brittany, who lost custody in 2011, claimed in a jail interview with The US Sun that while she saw Jaiden "periodically up until 2017," John has refused to let her contact him in the years since.
"I’ve tried to get in touch with my son, but John won’t let me. Since I’ve gone to prison, John has prevented me from speaking and seeing him whatsoever. This was not my choice," she added. "When I’m out of here, I’ll have to get a lawyer because he won’t let me see him."
Brittany will be eligible for release in September 2023, but she might be held until October 2024, according to the article.
'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' Season 9 drama continues every Tuesday at 9 pm ET only on Bravo.
