Through marriage I am stepfather to my wife's daughter. Her father is not part of her life at all and he decided not to represent himself in court (not divorce, annulment or legal separation) and the court went in my wife's favor which gave her full legal and physical custody. I am considering adopting her. Does the father have any right to prevent this from happening? If so, how can I dispute that? He is mentally and emotionally not capable to care for her and doesn't have adequate shelter or money to support her. He was paying the county for very little support but now became unemployed. If he cannot dispute it, what would it take and cost to adopt her?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?