step parent adoption/giving up rights

[kawest27]

My name is Kim and I have an 11 yr old son. His biological father has never seen, talked to or written him. He's made no attempt to try to make contact with him. He was deported back to Jamaica 1 wk before he was born. I'm am married now and have been married for 11 months living in Maryland. My husband wants to adopt my son and my son also wants him to adopt him. But I need help with the process. Does the biological father have to sign over his rights or can a court take his rights. Also do I need a lawyer? Please help!

 

[seniorjudge]

You need to go to an adoption lawyer.

And, yes, at some point the dad's rights must be terminated one way or the other.