My son is 5 and his father isn't named on his birth certificate nor does he have any contact ever. My partner and I are getting married next year and expecting a baby in September this year. Can my partner adopt my son and when can we start this process and how and where? Many thanks

You must first have the father sign away his rights, and then your partner can go about filing forms to adopt the child legally, note that if the child is adopted, however, the father will not be legally required to pay further child support, but may still be liable for past-due child support.

This was originally posted by JudyKayTee here: https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/adoption/can-husband-adopt-daughter-previous-relationship-192798.html

"4. The consent of a parent or guardian may not be necessary if: The parent or guardian cannot not be found or they are incapable of giving their agreement, e.g. because they are mentally ill.

The court is satisfied that the welfare of the child requires that consent be dispensed with. The welfare of the child outweighs the rights of the birth parents. However, the courts must still consider the impact on the child of ceasing to be a member of his/her birth family and the change in his/her relationship with the family that adoption would bring.

A court cannot make a placement order unless an effort has been made to notify the parents or guardians who have parental responsibility for the child that an application for a placement order is being made."

Doesn't specify how diligent the search must/should be."

But it depends where you live. Get legal advice.

All the best,

Kal