Adopting a Step Child...

Updated on July 21, 2010
M.B. asks from Metamora, IL
6 answers

I have a daughter who has only known one man as her dad she was real little. It isn't her biological dad though. That man isn't even on her birth certificate. That space is blank. Her biological dad doesn't pay child support, nor has he seen her since she was born. I am going to marry this man that I have been with and he wants to adopt her. What sort of things do I need to do in that instance?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

I don't believe the process will be very hard for you at all. Her bio dad isn't recognized by law as such, because he isn't on her birth certificate. Your husband will probably only need to fill out a declaration of parentage form to become her legal father.

Congratulations.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

does she call him dad, and does she do it because she wants to? my husbands mom and dad got divorced when he was 2 and she remarried and his stepfather adopted him. and he and my husband dont get along(they werent even invited to our wedding). he got back in touch with his real dad and that is who our son knows as his grandpa. how old is your daughter. is she old enough to talk to about this. if she is ask how she feels about the adoption before going through with it

1 mom found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Dallas on

You'll need a lawyer to do the paperwork for you. It cost us $1500 for rights-removal and the paperwork. A judge will do an adoption hearing and you can invite the whole family! It was an amazing experience for us! Congrats!

K.E.

answers from Spokane on

Hello,
I met my husband when my daughter was 6 months old. Her bio father had not had any contact with her, and once hubby and I got married, he wanted to adopt her. We hired an attorney and they did all the work. I know that her bio father had to willingly sign his parental rights over so that my hubby could adopt her. I don't know if your daughter's bio father is willing to do that, but if he is, it makes things so much easier. If he is not willing, it could get very complicated and ugly. The total cost for the process was about $1,200. It was a small price to pay for peace of mind. I did not trust my daughter's bio father, and I could not wait for the day when I knew he had no rights concerning my daughter. I don't know if you can go through this process without an attorney. Call a family law attorney and have a consultation so that you know exactly what you can expect. The only complaint that I had during the process was that our attorney took about 8 months to complete it. I was very angry because he had told us that it would only take about 3 months. Good luck.

K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.V.

answers from Phoenix on

Becaue he is not on the birth certf it will prob be very easy for you (basically he was just a donor). I agree with Naomi, and congrats on the marrage and finding someone who loves your daughter as much as you ((HUGS))

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions