Adopting stepchild who is a permanent resident.

[Pancakes123]

My husband is a US citizen and sponsored myself and my daughter to become permanent residents. We are originally from British Columbia, Canada. We have been living in Washington state for three years now and he wishes to adopt her. She's currently 14 years old and hasn't seen her biological father since she was about 6. He has not made any child support payments since around that time either. His communication, support, and visitation with her was only a handful of times a year before that. Do we go through Washington state courts for the adoption because we are legally residing here? I'm not sure how to proceed.

 

[Proserpina]

I know how much of a pain it can be to do this but honestly? You need to get an attorney involved if only because it involves two different countries. I wouldn't expect any trouble given that shes 14 and her father hasn't seen her in so long, but I still think it's worthwhile having at least an initial consultation or three.

You're in WA, yes? Try here.

http://www.wsba.org/resources-and-services/find-legal-help

http://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/


Good luck!

 

[disagreeable]

This is an awful expense over 4 years.

 

[Proserpina]

I didn't even think of that.

Good catch.