please help

[sweetmom]

I am wondering what I have to do?I have been with my husband for 6 years and married for 3.we have 2 kids together.I also have a 7 year old from a previous relationship.I recently told my daughter that the dad she knows is not her real father,and she wants him to adopt her.we have been together since she was a few months old.I left her father just after she was born because of being very abusive to me,and I had to leave casue I was scared for my daughter.What do I need to do or to contact so he can adopt her as soon as possible.He hasnt sen or spoke to her since I left nor have paid for her,my husband takes care of her.Will I have a problem getting this adoption?I have no idea who to contact about the information.My husband is currently serving in Afghanastan but will be home in a few weeks and we would like to get this going asap..please help and tell me some information..thank you so much..

 

[irish223]

You will have to hire an attorney for an adoption. For the adoption process, you will have to terminate the father's rights, and you will have to serve notice of the termination hearing so he has the opportunity to contest.

 

[jacksgal]

Let me add you mention word "quick". This will not be a "quick" process is can take nearly a year. Laws vary by state but heres brief outline of what will need to happen

. You file for TPR (Termination of Parental Rights)
. You serve Bio Dad (if you can find him)
. Cant find him then use substitute service approved by court if allowed
. At same time file for adoption by Step Father (He will likely need to be present)
. Get court date for TPR hearing that Bio Dad can contest or even delay
. In meantime an investigation into your current husbands background will be done. This can take months and will have people nosing into his past
. After likely serveral hearings the judge will take his time to decide This too can be months
. During the investigation of you and your husband and court hearings you will be asked to provide many documents and possible statements. The child will be talked to in private, your home will be visted
. If all goes well both the TPR and adoption will be granted

 

[sweetmom]

thank you so much.and yes I know it is a process we have to take..I have no idea where the father is at all.havent had contact with him in 7 years since my daughter was 2 months old..does he have rights to her after all this time?even thou he hasnt contacted her nor have paid child support for her since she was born.I need to know if he has rights????My daughter wants this adoption,I told her the truth and she says my husband is her dad no matter what because he has been there for her since the beginning..thank you

 

[jacksgal]

He has full rights until they are removed by courts

 

[sweetmom]

he has rights even thou he hasnt tried to contact her since she was born.he has other kids as well and dont care for none of them.he skips jobs so he doesnt have to pay for the other kids..he walked out on all his kids..so I dont think he should have rights..

 

[jacksgal]

Not to be rude but it doesn tmatter what you think. Only the courts can take his rights away not you. You might get TPR over abandonment but you should consult an Attorney first

 

[sweetmom]

all i wanted to know was the process i have to take so my husband can adopt my daughter.i appreciate your imput and i will seek out a attorney to do what i have to do.thank you

 

[jacksgal]

I gave you process several posts ago

 

[sweetmom]

and i said thank you and i will follow up with a attorney