[jbunson]

My situation is similar that's why I was curious of the circumstances. When my child was 4 yrs. Old, bio dad says, hey, I'm not paying the increase in support, and I'm out of here. 4 yrs down the road he leaves messages threatening to get back involved, which the child psychologist does not support. We've had sessions to make sure the child is emotionally stable. My husband who has been "Dad" since early toddler years would love to adopt. Bio will not sign off I'm sure. We've been told by lawyer and child psychologist to lie low and not even try to stir the "sleeping bear." we've had 4 peaceful years and hopefully many more to come. Bio has continued to pay 200 per month through the state but has not seen or spoken to child in 4 yrs. He is starting to threaten once a quarter via phone calls but has made it clear he will never hire a lawyer again in his life. I must add that there have been at least 3 restraining orders against him in the past 8 yrs. Put in place by myself and his current wife which have expired and she's dropped and they are together with more children. Little bit complicated. Is there an age when we can try for uncontested adoption in FL?

[ScottGem]

First its not a good idea to piggyback your question on someone else's. This can lead to confusion. You should start a new thread. So I've moved your question to its own thread.

I don't think you can EVER try for an uncontested adoption. However, since you have been granted restraining orders against him in the past, you might be able to argue that he's a danger to the child. Also, if your husband adopts, his child support will end. That may encourage him to relinquish.

[jbunson]

Thank you so much for helping with the posting. I'm new and I'm learning the ropes. I appreciate your help. I know if I pushed to raise the child support he would sign off to my husband but I'm too afraid to even try. It's like a game of chess. Do I risk it? The amount he pays now is so minimal and he is a highly paid professional. He has more children and a huge mortgage and I'm sure would feel a pinch if his support was raised to the figure he was told it would be 4 yrs. Ago. Probably even more now. I guess I'll sit tight and enjoy the fact that he chose to be out of the picture and we have a peaceful family environment now. I feel extremely blessed and safe now.
I guess I was hoping that if enough time passed or the child reached a certain age, we could go to the Court and get permission for adoption based on all these reasons but most of all the best interest of the child, the child's mental welfare and emotional stability. Even the psychologist said that in 99% of cases you always try to keep child and bio. Father relationship, but not in this case. Child is so content and happy healthy now and has really come out of shell over the past 4 yrs.

[Fr_Chuck]

Yes, no there is no age when you can do a step parent adoption without either forcing their righs away or getting them to sign the rights away