Step Parent Adoption

[mjfast]

What is the name of your state? Washington

My husaband of four years would like to adopt my 10 year old girl. Her bio father, to whom I was never married, has only seen her twice as a toddler. We have had no futher contact and I have no idea where he is. What steps do we take for a legal adoption and last name change? Thank You

[howamidoing]

Originally Posted by mjfast

What is the name of your state? Washington

My husaband of four years would like to adopt my 10 year old girl. Her bio father, to whom I was never married, has only seen her twice as a toddler. We have had no futher contact and I have no idea where he is. What steps do we take for a legal adoption and last name change? Thank You

You will need her Father's permission.

[mjfast]

Does the law require I have the bio father's permission no matter what? I've heard you can list these things in the newspaper and if you recive no response you can continue with the adoption. (if you have made all attempts to contact the bio parent) Is this true?

And how do we file for adoption? Do I need a lawyer or is this something we can do with out one? Thank you

[VeronicaGia]

Does the father pay support? If so, it is considered contact with the child. And in any event you need an attorney. Whether dad pays or visits the children or not doesn't mean he's not the dad, therefore, he has the right to contest the adoption.

[mjfast]

He does not pay support or see her. The last time we had contact was 8 years ago. What happens if we are never able to locate him? (since we have tried in the past)

[VeronicaGia]

Originally Posted by mjfast

He does not pay support or see her. The last time we had contact was 8 years ago. What happens if we are never able to locate him? (since we have tried in the past)

You need to speak with and hire an attorney to have this done. Each state has it's own requirements for terminating parental rights when a parent cannot be found. If you don't follow those requirements, you will not be able to go through with the adoption.

[mjfast]

Thank You

[scmarshall]

I knew if I searched enough, someone would have a similar situation in the same state.

I'm mainly just gathering information, as my husband wants to adopt my daughter, but, we have to wait until his legal residency is established. But, I would like to know how the process went/goes for you, mjfast.

[oc_girl]

Originally Posted by VeronicaGia

You need to speak with and hire an attorney to have this done. Each state has it's own requirements for terminating parental rights when a parent cannot be found. If you don't follow those requirements, you will not be able to go through with the adoption.

I agree, you need to get an attorney. If you truly don't knwo where he is or how to find him, in order to terminate his parental rights you will need to claim abandonment. Each state has its own laws regarding abandonment but most all require proof of due diligence in attempting to find the birth father and serve him with notice of the adoption hearing (so that he could contest). Another option is to try to find him by calling any relatives that may know where he is or how to get in touch with him. Things would be much easier (and shorter) if you could get him to sign a consent form (that would terminate his parental rights). It is suprising, though, how many parents don't want contact or responsibility for their children, but don't want to have their rights terminated either.

Good luck!