My ex-husband has not seen my son in 4 years (he is now 10). He has never made a child support payment as he got fired as soon as we divorced and he moved in with his parents.
I have never pursued support, and I believe he is still unemployed.
It was at this time he disappeared from my son's life, which was actually a positive in the long run.
I have petitioned him to terminate his parental rights, as my husband now wants to adopt him. It was sent certified to his last know address, his parents house, and signed for by his adult (attorney) brother.
He has failed to sign or contact our attorney by the date given.
My question is this.. is my only next step to bring the atty on retainer (very expensive) to change this to a contested case? He is in no way contesting, though the abandonment alone would be grounds for termination.
Is there another way if it is not contested.. just refusal to sign? If he even resides there. I have not spoken/heard from him in 4 years. Is there still a way to "post it" in papers, etc?
I would appreciate any help... we have already spent so much and would like this to end.
-C

I would not proceed without an Attorney - you don't want the adoption to be overturned at some point in the future.