Step-parent Adoption

My x husband adopted my daughter. I got permission from biological dad. He signed off. This is the easiest and least expensive. AS for child support, if he owes money, he will owe it after the adoption unless you agree to sign off on it. I used it as a negotiating tool. I signed off for the signature. You will not get child support after the adoption if you get it now. It wasn't horribly expensive $500 or so back in 1991. I would not do it without a lawyer. To many variables that could go wrong or be missed. Good luck!!!!

A while ago, my uncle was in that situation. His wife adopted his 3 year old daughter. They didn't know where the mother was at that time, so they had to [post a classified ad in the local paper for 3 days or something like that (intent to adopt) and if she didn't come forward to object, they were good to go. I don't think it was real expensive, and it was in MA, but I am sure you could get free legal info from a lawyer that does adoption issues if they offer a free consult.

S.,
I haven't done it personally, but I do know that you need two things: a lawyer, and a legal document terminating bio dad's rights. He has to sign it, and if he refuses, you can go to court. It's a long process, but worth it if this is what your family needs.

hi S.,
we're in a similar(ish) situation...my partner will eventually need to adopt our daughter. we contacted a lawyer and essentially we need to have our donor (i.e. dad) terminate rights and then we fill out paperwork, etc. a lot of it is mostly formality. we were told it would cost about $2500, which is why we haven't done it yet--that's quite a chunk of change! anyway, i hope this helps and good luck! :)

I don't know how much it cost anymore. Ummm my step-dad adopted me and my sister when we were younger like 16 years ago and it was around $500 apiece. I do know that my parents had to have a lawyer to do it. Also i believe you will need the biological father to sign away all parental rights or at least my mom did. I hope that this was helpful information if you have any more questions that I might be able to get the answers for let me know.

My brother-in-law adopted my nephew and my sister had to put something in the paper, a way to notify the real dad I guess, and make sure he did not contest it. The real dad never did respond to the article, and the first time around, the judge did not let it happen, until the real dads mom wrote a letter stating that he had been an absentee parent since the child was born and my sisters husband should be able to adopt him. I know lawyers are expensive, but if you get a good one, you may not have to go through what my sister went through.

I would just caution you if there is a child support order involved the judge will usually vacate that order. So make sure to consider that. It will also matter if there is any current visitation in place. It usually takes the cooperation of the biological parent (the quickest and easiest route). If you have to publish in the paper and all that you are in for a longer time of it and more expense.

Best wishes!

Hi S.! We went through this also. My husband adopted my daughter about 4 years ago. Her biological father was not in the picture (my husband & I have been together since she was 3 - she is now 11). We had to have a lawyer, and go through the whole court process which took about 6-9 months and was approximately $3000 if I remember correctly. But it was well worth it. My husband has always been "dad" to her so we were glad when it was finally legal. I hope this info helped & best of luck to you and your family!