Okay my daughter was born 6 years ago resulting from a one night stand without knowledge of the father. Very immature on my behalf but nevertheless for having her and raising her. When she was 11 months old I met my future husband whom I married on January 27, 2007, over a year ago. We have been together for almost 5 year and he is the only father figure that my daughter has ever known. My husband and I have a 4 year old son as well and he would like nothing more than to adopt my daughter, change her name and complete our family. He has provided financially, emotionally and taking all measures to make sure she has everything she needs to be happy. He loves her unconditionally and doesn't look at her as other than his only daughter! Can I do this step-parent adoption without a lawyer since there is not father to contact and get rights from?

You HAD to know who the father was, if you know it was from a one-night stand. Unless your name is Mary?

You must make a good faith attempt to find the father of your daughter, who--after 6 years! --will probably have no problems signing over his rights. But--you never know.

Get a lawyer, do this right. Because if you don't do it right, it CAN be overturned IF the biological father of your daughter shows up one day.

I don't know who the father is, yes it was a mistake on my part but all I know is his first name and I was on vacation. I have admitted that I do not know, there is not much more I can do.

I would still talk to a lawyer, to be sure of the legalities in your state. You will probably need a lawyer to draw up the adoption papers anyway, so you may as well ask to be sure.