I have 2 kids and their step father would like to adopt them and we don't know how to go about this. My kids real father is still alive, but is not in their life at all. He don't call them, see them, or even buy things for them. Now, my new husband would like to adopt them and we are not sure where to start. If someone can help please write me back. Thank You, Tiffany

You hire a family attorney to prepare a petititon for adoption.

Tiffany, hire an atty first, he will probably advise you that the natural father must give his consent even though he may not have been involved in the children's lives, may not have paid child support etc. When you visit an atty try to have evidence of non support if for example, he was required to pay child support, etc and did not, etc. I adopted my step daughter in approx 3 weeks, provided my atty such evidence, had my atty write the father a letter advising him that should he elect not to pay the approx $20,000. In unpaid child support, we would pursue him for his child's money. The letter worked and about 10 days latter my atty received written consent. Neither I nor my wife nor the father appeared in court but you state's laws I am sure are different that those of my state. The total cost to me was about $500. But the atty was a neighbor and that was 20 plus years ago. Don't let the cost scare you, consult the atty, ask his fees.