[nick n lia]

I too in the same situation as the stepfather wanting to adopt. The only difference is that the bio father has nothing to do with my kids, at all. I too want to adopt MY kids. I don't call them my stepkids, and they don't call me stepdad, because in my heart they are MINE and I am THEIR FATHER. What can I do to at least change my kids last names since I read that its easier to do that first. Hope to hear from someone soon with the answer. Thanks in advance.

[AK lawyer]

I too in the same situation as the stepfather wanting to adopt. The only difference is that the bio father has nothing to do with my kids, at all. I too want to adopt MY kids. I dont call them my stepkids, and they dont call me stepdad, because in my heart they are MINE and I am THEIR FATHER. What can I do to at least change my kids last names since I read that its easier to do that first. Hope to hear from someone soon with the answer. Thanks in advance.

Answer would be the same as for the OP in this thread. It depends, to some extent, on which state you are in but, in general, you would file a petition, notice would go to the biological father, and you would ask him to give his written consent. If he refuses, there are ways to ask that the court dispense with his consent, but that is more problematic. Get an attorney to handle the details.

[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.

While it may be easier effect a name change why waste the time and effort when the adoption accomplishes everything. Just changing their names does almost nothing.

If you want to adopt then file for adoption. The fact that the bio father has had nothing to do with the children will help. If he doesn't agree his lack of involvement can be used to force the adoption.