I am currently engaged in a contested adoption with my ex-husband. He has not seen her or paid child support in four years. My current husband is trying to adopt her, but the Ex-husband is contesting it. My question is, has anybody ever been through this? What can I expect? What is the total cost? Has anybody out their been adopted by a step parent and how did they feel about it? I would be grateful for any information about contested adoptions.



Thanks so much in advance.

ScottGem

Generally a bio parent has to agree to a termination of rights. However, some states do provide for grounds of abandonment or other reasons to get a TPR. You really need an attorney to guide you through this.

smokedetector

I was adopted by my step dad when I was five. I didn't have a problem with it, I was excited about getting to learn how to spell my "new" last name. Obviously I was kind of young to realize what exactly was going on. My mom got my dad to sign (he cried, but knew it was best for me and my sister) the papers and then my step dad adopted me. It seemed simple enough to me then, and from what my mother told me about it. I know it does cost money, but not a ridiculous amount (depending on your definition of ridiculous). One thing I do wish is that I had a better relationship with my real dad. Hope I helped.