What can I do

[digger12505]

What is the name of your state? West Virginia

I met my husband 10 yrs ago he had just recently got full custody of his daughter ( 13 mnths old). I have been the only mother she has known she is now 11 yrs old and recently her father was in a serious injury at work and I realized that nor only did have a chance of losing him I would also have lost her. I have no legal custody of her.
Her 'real' mother has had visitation rights and only used them once. She has never paid child support and been in trouble with the law numerous times.
She has 3 other children that are in same situation , with this going on could I adopt?
We have no idea where she is right now, last time we spoke to her in February 2000 we asked her to sign rights away and she wanted money.

Please Help Me

[brisgirl825]

Well, you can't give her money, as that would be buying a child therefore illegal. It is possible to sweeten the deal by forgiving arrears in exchange for her consent to adoption. However, as long as she has been absent, it is likely that you and dad could do this w/o her permission. Get a consult with a local atty. Many offer free consults.

GL.

[Nocgirl]

He should go after her for CS. Maybe when she realizes she cannot be a deadbeat mom she will terminate rights.

Why hasnt he gone after her for support?

[digger12505]

TY so much for the help.
We have tryed twice to get child support, the first time she did 30 days in jail for it and then the second nothing has been done except paperwork..
We dont know what to do

[brisgirl825]

Originally Posted by digger12505

TY so much for the help.
We have tryed twice to get child support, the first time she did 30 days in jail for it and then the second nothing has been done except paperwork..
We dont know what to do

What you guys need to do is get in contact with an atty asap. They will get you started on the adoption.