Step-parent adoption?

[resalyn]

What is the name of your state? Iowa.

Hi - my daughter was born out of wedlock in PA. I left PA and moved back to Iowa in 1997 when my daughter was 11 months old. We went through the courts in PA before leaving and a visitation order was established, so technically, jurisdiction still resides in PA, I think. The agreement was that my daughter would be returned to PA twice a year for a week at a time to visit bio father. The agreement was only valid up to 2000, at which time both parties were supposed to re-evaluate and establish new guidelines. Father never pursued that, has not seen my daugher since July of 2000. Over the next 2 years, he contacted us sporadically, a phone call on a holiday once in a while; we have not heard from him for 5 years.

Bio father was incarcerated for part of that time, and I've heard he might be incarcerated again in PA. I got married 2 years ago (been together 4 years) and he wants to adopt my daughter. My daughter wants to be adopted. What do we need to do to start this process, besides getting a lawyer? I'd like to have some idea what the process is before I start interviewing lawyers.

If bio father is incarcerated, does that make this process easier or harder? I would think that it would be easier to prove him "unfit" but does it hinder the process?

[haiku]

you should NEVER attempt adoption without a lawyer, all states have different guidelines some more stringent and costly than others. depending on the willingness of the parties it can get very complicated. only a lawyer can help you figure out how much legal help you are going to need.

regardless of the custody/support jurisdiction, the adoption jurisdiction itself will be in the state the child has resided in for at least 6 months.