I use to date a woman who had kids that I excepted as mine about ten years ago. We broke up more the six years ago but I stayed in contact with her and took care of the kids while she was at work and some weekends until she moved to California about four and a half years ago. She didn't live there for much more then six months before she called me and asked if I would take the kids because she was about to be homeless and couldn't take care of them. It was only suppose to to be for a few months while she got back on here feet. That was four years ago and now I have had to send my son (15 years old) to foster care for a number of reasons, but mainly because he has no regard for anyone or anything he is in legal trouble and abusive to me. My daughter (10 years old) is still living with me, but I would like to adopt her legally. The mom still lives in California and is will to help anyway she can, the dad is in jail in eastern Oregon. I have taken care of her since she was six months old, I have made the decision not to have biological children. I don't ever want them to think that I could love another child more. I really need help. :(

Because you and the mother are not currently married, this is going to be harder for you.

You need to contact a family law attorney in your area to get the ball rolling. There are so many complications with your situation that I would REALLY recommend that you do not try to do this without an attorney.