My 13 yr old son has asked me to adopt him, which I am more then happy to do. Do we need to get consent from his birth mother. She has played no active role in his life for 5 years now. I am married to his father, but he/us have no parental responsibility for him.

My 13 yr old son has asked me to adopt him.

Do we need to get consent from his birth mother. she has played no active role in his life for 5 years now. I am married to his father, but he/us have no parental responsibility for him.
Sorry but it makes no sense for me.
LEGALLY:if you want to adopt him/her you must prove you will have to prove his/her parent?s/ is a real danger for the child.The other way is to get consent from his birth mother.

I'm confused. If his mother hasn't played an active role in his life for 5 years, but you and your husband have no parental responsibility for him, who is raising this boy? Who has legal custody? Also, the answer to this question would depend greatly on your location and the legal status of the boy.