My husband and I are in thr process of filling a step parent adoption.we would like to place an ad in our local newspaper to notify the biological father of the hearing date and have no idea how and what the ad should say or look like.we live in New Jersey,if that helps.

You really should have an attorney to help you prepare the paperwork, especially when dealing with a case where the bio father's location is unknown. (I assume that's why you are doing a newspaper notification) You want to make sure everything is done to the letter of the law to prevent the father from showing up someday and challenging the adoption.

But, just approach the newspaper and explain what you are doing. I'm sure they can show you sample ads from similar circumstances. Basically you need to note the case, docket, hearing date and a notice that failure to appear will result in a default judgment.

We are not using an attorney because in our county we can file on our own.the court has a surrogate office that has all the paperwork needed for the case.we are on point with the process but we needed the help with the newspaper ad.we contacted the local paper and they to also speak with our attorney(which we are not using.. hence us asking for help here).thank you for your help

What has been done so far to locate the father? Has he been run through the national database? Is he suppose to be paying child support? Were you married at the time of birth?