HOw to adopt a stepchild with no father on bc???

[alliesmommy]

Florida



My daughter is 3 1/2. I have not seen the man I assume is her real father since I was 4 months pregnant with her. There could be another guy that could be her father. No father is on her birth certificate. I have been with my husband for a year now. She calls him daddy and they get along perfect. He wants to adopt her. What is the procedure? Is it as simple as just adding him to her b.c? Probably no haha.

Thanks

[haiku]

adoptions especially ones with unknown parent can be very complicated.

If one thing is ommitted it can completely void the adoption process.

In your case, for your husband to adopt, legally, the potential bio-father(s), will have to be contacted, to give conset or contest the adoption.

even a less "complicated" adoption needs at least a consult with a lawyer first. So your first step is seeing a lawyer.

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by haiku

adoptions especially ones with unknown parent can be very complicated.

If one thing is ommitted it can completely void the adoption process.

In your case, for your husband to adopt, legally, the potential bio-father(s), will have to be contacted, to give conset or contest the adoption.

even a less "complicated" adoption needs at least a consult with a lawyer first. So your first step is seeing a lawyer.

I am familiar with many stepparent adoptions that have taken place when the bio-father was "unknown". However, I agree 100% that no adoption should be done without a good attorney.

[haiku]

Originally Posted by LdiJ

I am familiar with many stepparent adoptions that have taken place when the bio-father was "unknown".

So have I, (hence why I answered this one) and it is those cases where it most imperative that everything is done by the book, especially considering he is not really 'unknown".....I was in no implying it could not be done.

[crystaly]

Actually....its alot easier if the bio parent is unknow. I'm not sure about your state so what you need to do is look up the Florida family code laws on adoption. I know in my state all you have to do is send a form to the parent you think is the bio parent and all they have to do is sign the form saying that they either are the parent and consent or that they aren't the parent and sign away any right they may have. And if you do not know where the bio parent is it gets even easier. You have to do a search and if the search comes up empty you go to a judge and have him sign the order to be able to place an add in the paper. It can get rather costly. There are social worker home visits that have to be paid for. Filing fees and such. A lawyer is not always needed in stepparent adoptions. Especially if you have a cut and dry case. See if you can get a no cost meeting with an attorney before you pay him ANYTHING. alot of adoption attorneys will steer you the wrong way. However, if someone is fighting the adoption, retain an attorney. I recommend that you go to your county library and call your social services department and see what kind of information you can dig up. In California we have a book to help do your own stepparent adoptions. See if Florida has one.

[alliesmommy]

thank you all so much. She was born in alabama and I know that alabama law is similar to california where you run and ad in the paper asking for the birth father. You dont have to have a name just the ad for 30 days. I am hoping that florida is the same. I have no idea where either men are now.

thanks again for your insight