I live in PA. My stepson has not seen his mother in over a year. She has made no attempts to see him or talk to him within this year. My stepson has always known me as mom, even when she was living with us. He just turned 5 and my husband doesn't want anything to do with his ex because of the fact that when he was with her and her husband he would always come back with bruises. He wants to file for full custody. What would he be able to do as far as the no contact and no support in over a year? Her words last year is "I don't care about when I get to see him again". Would he be able to talk to a lawyer to see if there is a way to get her to sign her rights off so I can adopt him.

If the mother is willing to sign the adoption papers, yes, you can adopt the child.

If she is not willing to sign, no, you cannot.

Is there a support order? If so, go back to Court and ask that she be held in contempt for ignoring it. If not, get one.

I see no advantage to requesting sole custody because you pretty much already have sole custody and you just might tic her off.

When the boy came back with bruises were the Police notified? Child Protective Services? If not - not worth much.

Agree if she will sign over her rights to allow the adoption it should go fairly easy. Normally when they know they will not have to pay child support after the adoption they will be glad to do so. *** This is assuming you are going after her for support strongly.'

As for as visitation, with police reports of abuse, you should get them to require supervised visits if they try to get visits.

But adoption is what you need, I would assume you have custody already though court /