[spiceysweett]

I live on Washington state and want my boyfriend to adopt my children because their bio dad has nothing and wants nothing to do with them

[Wondergirl]

Why would you want someone to adopt and have legal rights over your children when you aren't even married to him?

Legal experts will come along to reply, but as has been answered before on other questions like this, you will probably have to be married to him for as long as a year before he could adopt your children.

[spiceysweett]

Wondergirl I would.want him to because he is the only father my kids know and trust their real dad is an abusive pos and what if we don't want to get married we have been doing just fine without it

[Wondergirl]

wondergirl I would.want him to because he is the only father my kids know and trust their real dad is an abusive pos and what if we don't want to get married we have been doing just fine without it

Legally, you will probably have to marry him so the courts will allow an adoption to take place. And the bio-father would have to be contacted, if possible, to allow an adoption, or evidence given that he cannot be found.

How you and your boyfriend feel about each other and the children, and how long you've been together have nothing to do with it.

[ScottGem]

wondergirl I would.want him to because he is the only father my kids know and trust their real dad is an abusive pos and what if we don't want to get married we have been doing just fine without it

That's not the point. The point is you are talking about giving someone the legal right of parent to your children. If you break up, he could wind up with custody of the children.

This site has some info on step parent adoptions: Step Parent Adoption

Its not clear whether being married is absolutely necessary, but it will make the adoption easier.

I would suggest you contact a local Family Law attorney who can better advise as to the requirements.