I live in Washington state. I have been with my boyfriend for 6 yrs. He has custody of his 12 yr old and we have a 4 yr old together. He wants to adopt my 15 yr old daughter. Her bio father is aware of this and he is willing to sign over his rights. My question is do we need to be married first? Is that a requirement in my state? If we do not need to be married first than what is my first step without having to get a lawyer? He is a contratcor and leaving for Afghan here in a few and we will not be getting married until he gets home but would like this done before he leaves for a year. Thank you for your help

You two would have to be married at least a year before the courts would approve an adoption. You should get married before he leaves to make the time go faster on the requirement.