I have a 16yr old daughter... the man that has been her father and a consistent force in her life would like to adopt her - the influence that he and his family has had on my daughter is amazing she even fluently speaks a second language due to their involvement in her life... he has wanted to do this since she was born but I wanted to give her biological father a chance to be her father... he hasn't stepped up to the plate at all... he pays child support - but only to keep his license and to keep out jail... he has never done anything outside of the weekly support... I as well as my daughter asked that he relinquish his rights but he refuses to - just to be a thorn in our sides because he hasn't seen her in years and at our last court appearance they were mere feet from each other and he didn't bother to even utter a simple hello... he has no interest in her... her step father which I have not been romantically invovled with for over 10 years is her father and hasn't skipped a beat nor let her down ever... if he could adopt her this will solidify their bond and clear her mind because this truly troubles her... any suggestions on how to move forward with this action

She could only be adopted by your husband - maybe you're married and I've skimmed through, didn't see it. You also need the consent of the biological father (no matter good the stepfather is to and for her). You could always approach the father with a "deal" - he signs the consent and child support stops because he's no longer the legal father.

She cannot be adopted without her bio father's consent, no matter how bad a father he is. The Court will also appreciate that he does have involvement if he pays child support.

So approach him strictly dollars and cents - sign and stop paying.

I did not see the word "husband" either, so you will need to be married.

You can apply to the court but if he will not sign over for the adoption it is harder but you can try.

The main thing adoption or not, she has a great male influence in her life.