I live in england. The father of my 2 year old son refuses to acknowledge either of us. Can my partner adopt him? And what are the first steps in doing this?

Kit,

I haven't been ignoring your question--I've just been hoping that someone with more insight into the laws on this in England would respond.

In the US, you MUST have the biological parent's rights signed over before an adoption can take place. I'm betting there is something similar in the laws there.

I would contact a solicitor in your area and find out for SURE what your steps are.