[JustJaime]

I've been divorced for almost 3 years and I am re-married. My 4 yr old's biological father lives in the bahamas now (I live in Ohio). He sees our son maybe once a year and calls maybe every 3 months or so for about 2 minutes. We've discussed about him giving up his parental rights, since not much would change aside from the fact he wouldn't be paying child support anymore. If we decide to do this, how do we go about taking these steps? My current husband wants to adopt my son as well. I understand it would basically be that the biological father would have no say in his upbringing etc. which is basically how it is right now... he is not involved in any of my son's upbringing, medical care or school.

[macksmom]

Well if the bio father agrees to relinquish his rights and allow your husband to adopt, then all you need to do is hire and attorney to take care of all the paperwork.

The bio father would relinquish all parental rights...

You stated..

I understand it would basically be that the biological father would have no say in his upbringing etc.

It is much much more than simply that. If the bio father relinquishes his rights, he has no claim to the child whatsoever... none at all. Once the child is adopted that child is now legally your current husbands. The bio father has no legal rights to the child.

The bio father will be informed of all this in court. Judges want to make sure men understand what it really means to relinquish parental rights. It doesn't just stop child support... it stops all ties to the child.

But if both parties are in agreement, then hire an attorney.