Adivce Appreciated Please

What is the name of your state? IN

I have a 3 1/2 yr old daughter. I was a single-parent for 2 yrs or so. I recently married on May 1, 2004. My husband would like to adopt her. In her eyes, he is her daddy. He's all she's ever known.

Her bio-father has been in jail on robbery charges since jaunary. Paternity was esablished when she was 6 months old. i was living in FL at the time. He still lives in IN. I've made the attempt numerous times for him to see her but he never wanted to. He's seen her 3 or 4 times with me doing the driving and I felt like I was 'forcing' her on him. He owes close to $6000 or more in child support. I've only received maybe $600 in child support payments. He hasn't had contact with her since at least 2003. I have full custody of her and bio-father and I were never married. He has said that he would give up his rights, but I do not have that in writting and do not know if that has changed since he's been in jail.

How would we go about my husband adopting her?? We are looking for a lawyer for advice or possibly pro-bono work. We have no clue where to begin. I've told my husband 1 hurdle at a time and now that the wedding is over, we can tackle this. Please help me!!!!!!!!!!

Constance

[tigger22472]

Contact a family law attorney. Bio-father must be notified.. however notification is sent to the last known address and they are given X amount of days for THEM to file to contest it. If he's notified and doesn't take the time to file.. (although there may be separate circumstances considering he's in jail, another reason to consult the attorney) then the "I'll never sign over rights" is blowing smoke up your butt to scare you. Many states require ONE year, no contact AND no support before being able to file. Use your search engine for 'Termination of Parental Rights" for Florida to get more info. This is something though that I NEVER EVER suggest be done without an attorney. AND definately don't tell him you're thinking of doing this if you do speak to him.. or don't seek him out to ask for TPR.. for one it voids your 1 year no contact.. but for two if he's like some ex's I know he'll say no just because it's something that YOU want. If it's done professionally through an attorney he might think twice.