i am a new step father and i wish to adopt my 4 year old step son and my 8 year old step son . the 4 year old does not have a father listed on the birth certificate and the 8 year old does but the bio-father has not made any kind of contact in 5 years but is court ordered to pay child support and has not in four years. and owes almost $30,000 in past and present child support. is there any way to at least start the process with the 4 yr old he has never in the 4 years of his life had any kind of contact with him and the division of child support can not locate him

ScottGem

I would start a petition on both kids as a package. But first make some attempt to contact the bio fathers. You should have a family atty to prepare the papers and they can advise you on how to attempt contact. Advertising in a local paper (local to the bio fathers last known address) is one option. Not having paid.

The worst that can happen is the adoption would be separated, but the 8 yr old will know you tried.

With that amount of time, the court may grant the adoption of both.