My husband wants to adopt my daughter from a previous relationship

[TLSCOTT]

I live in texas and if there is a father that is ready to adopt the child and give her a better life then they will grant the adoption. They try to serve him at his last known address and if they cant find him they will post a legal notice in the newspaper. If your husband is there and the guy doesn't show up he will grant the adoption. I actually just went through this. Just make sure that you bring documentation. Good luck!

[Ohiogal]

Originally Posted by TLSCOTT

I live in texas and if there is a father that is ready to adopt the child and give her a better life then they will grant the adoption. They try to serve him at his last known address and if they cant find him they will post a legal notice in the newspaper. If your husband is there and the guy doesn't show up he will grant the adoption. I actually just went through this. Just make sure that you bring documentation. Good luck!

And yet this OP is in Indiana. How does Texas apply?

[torimac]

According to Indiana law, you can file for financial abandonment.

"In Indiana, the absent parent has given implied consent to adoption or relinquishment pursuant to Section 26-10A-9 as outlined below:

1. The absent parent has abandoned the adoptee, failing to offer financial and /or emotional support for a period over 6 months from the filing of this petition.

2. The absent parent has knowingly left the adoptee with the other parent without provisions for support and without communication, or otherwise maintaining a significant parental relationship with the adoptee for a period of over 6 months from the filing of this petition."

[url=http://reliableadoption.com/states/indiana_adoption.html]Stepparent Adoption in Indiana[/url]


Many states have similar laws. The difficulty is getting back to court to request termination of rights. I have heard of cases where the absentee parent contacts the custodial parent or makes a minor child support payment once a year, which negates the law (in CA, it is one year without contact or support).