My husband has wanted to adopt my daughter (who's 12) for some time now. Her bio father left when she was 5months old and did not pay any contributions for her care. He has had no contact with her since she was 2 ( we live in a different country now). How do I go about finding him and making the first steps? Apart from the fact that my husband and daughter adore each other, I would feel it would be beneficial to her legally ( wills etc) - any advise would be greatly appreciated:confused:

Hi Tansy

If your daughters father has not had cotact with your daughter since she was 2 then I see o problem why your husband may not adopt your daughter he has proven himself to be a positive influence and a capable parent aso if your daughter wishes for the same this would strengthen your case in a court who will have to take your daughters feelings into consideration. Seek legal advice from a qualified legal professional but if your case is so clear cut I don't anticipate you havingany problems.

Its not a problem for your husband to adopt your daughter if they get along well then I think u should consider it.

I would find an attorney and see exactly what the legal steps you need to take. If the bio father is out of the picture and seems to have abandoned your daughter, it maybe very easy for your husband to do this.

Bottomline here is you need an attorney to file the adoption petititon. That attorney will advise you what you need to do to termination the bio father's rights. If you don't know how to find him there are ways to show that you have made a good faith effort to contact him that will satisfy the court. The attorney will know what they are for your area.