My husband wants to adopt my child from my first marriage. My ex husband hasn't seen him since 2006. He hasn't talked to him in over a year and a half. He pays child support but actively says he chooses to not have a relationship with our child. He is still in Florida, where we divorced. I am now in Utah, where my husband is stationed (Active Duty). My ex has brought up giving up his rights... I am unclear as to how we do that and what the requirements are. I heard something about abandonment and possibly getting it because he no longer wants to be in his life in any way. Other than an expensive attorney that military pay wouldn't cover... are there any suggestions?

Thanks...

Worried Mom:(

An inexpensive attorney. Seriously... if your ex is willing to allow it, there isn't THAT much paperwork and legal fees involved. Speak with some local lawyers and get price quotes. Its under 1000 here in FL. I cannot imagine it is that much different in Utah.

This really isn't something you can do on your own. Adoption is a complicated process and there is no room for error.

Did you read the sticky note on Relinquyishing rights at the top of this thread? Or browse through some of the thousands of simialr threads?

Why would you think abandonment applies here? You don't need to force the bio father to relinquish his rights, he brought the subject up!

So all you need is to go to your local Family Court and file for your husband to adopt the child. But you DO need an attorney to do this to make sure everything is done right. The attorney will send your ex the right papers to sign to relinquish his rights and setup the adoption petition.

Have you tried talking to the base lawyers? This may be something they will handle for you. If not, then shop around for a Family Law attorney. I would think, since the bio father is agreeable, that, this shouldn't be too expensive.

You don't need an expensive attorney... but you do need an attorney. When all parties are in agreement it really isn't that bad it only brings on nightmares when the parents don't agree. So shop around and find a family attorney that fits into your budget.