[vampirelover]

I was recently married and was wondering about adoption. My new husband is not the biological father of my daughter but would like to adopt her. My daughter's biological father is not listed on her birth certificate nor has he ever paid child support. She sees him every once in a while. How should I go about obtaining information on how my husband could adopt her? I have been told that since her biological father is not listed on her birth certificate that I should have no problems and that he really has no voice in the matter. Any help would be very helpful and appreciated!

[jenniepepsi]

No, that's not true that not being on her birth certificate gives him no voice.

You will have to establish his paternity, by a dna test. And once his paternity is established, he will need to relinquish his rights. Then your husband can adopt her.

The best way to go about this is to get an adoption lawyer.

Good luck hon.

[s_cianci]

When you file the motion for your husband to adopt your daughter, her father will have the right and opportunity to contest that motion. Maybe he won't but he can. Has paternity ever been established? If so, then why isn't he listed on the birth certificate?

[vampirelover]

We never did a DNA test BUT, he did sign an acknowledgement of paternity when she was born because he never questioned her being his. The reason he isn't on her birth certificate is because I left him about 6 months into my pregnancy because he was abusive! I guess there is no way around it, he will have to relinquish his rights and I'm positive he'll never do that. I know someone who lost rights to their son automatically because he didn't pay child support for so many years. I suppose every state is different. Thanks for the advice everyone!