I was wondering if there is a way to get the parental rights removed from an absent parent. I live in Arizona and my ex is somewhere in Michigan, I think. He has pretty much abandoned our son over the last 9 years. I am remarried and my husband would like to adopt him.

It is very likely, esp if he has not been paying child support and does not call or visit, The first step would be to try and contact him and get his approval ( your attorney will do that, and if you can not locate him there are procedures for that also)

Glad for good men like your hubby who wants to be the father.

I was wondering if there is a way to get the parental rights removed from an absent parent. I live in Arizona and my ex is somewhere in Michigan, i think. He has pretty much abandoned our son over the last 9 years. I am remarried and my husband would like to adopt him.
Sounds like a textbook case for stepparent adoption. You should go see a local lawyer who does family law.