I had my daughter in 1997 and became involved with my high school sweatheart again after having her which we started talking again when she was a couple months old. We then moved in together and got married in 2000 we got divorced in 2001 he is still a part of my daughters life and she believes he is her father and is treated us such. He was going to adopt her when we were together and it never happened but I wish this to happen and so does he. What do I legally have to do about this.. No one is on her birth certificate as being the father is there anyway he can just have his name added or not? I do not know whom her father is... I understand this may sound bad but I do not~! I wish it was my exhusband because he deserves it because he is wonderful to her and always will be.

No, sorry but that does not mean he can't always be a part of her life, and be her "father" in all the things that really matter.

The name on the birth certificate really means little in the aspect of being a real father.

Your ex's name cannot just be added to the birth certificate. But there is good news.

Since there is no biological father in your scenario to object to the adoption, I believe if you are both willing parties, even if you are not married, your ex can adopt your daughter legally. You need to find a lawyer who will draft up the paperwork and file it with the courts. Find a local lawyer who handles family law and make an appointment. Usually they do not charge for an initial consultation and they can advise you as to whether this is possible, what steps you need to take, and how much it will cost.

If you need an example of an unmarried couple where one or more of the biological parents are not in the picture, look at Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. He was able to adopt her children, that she in turn had adopted herself. So, if two people, who are not biologically related to children and are unmarried, can adopt those children, there should be no reason that your ex-husband, whom your daughter considers her father, cannot adopt her legally.