[chicagomami2]

I am married with one child from my husband and a 2 1/2 yr old from a previous relationship. Since that relationship ended, my 2 yr olds father has never been in the picture and my husband has been around my 2 yr old since he was a few months old and has raised him as his own, so he is now wanting to adopt him. The only problem is, I am worried that if we find my ex, he won't sign the papers out of spite. I have police reports on him from the past that show he was abusive, leading up to only a year ago when he was harassing me and I got a restraining order. But as far as our child went he never made any atempts to see him or send me any type of child support. What do I do if he gives me a hard time just to be, basically, a jerk?

[macksmom]

Of course the easiest way is to have him sign over his rights... you can always use child support as a bargaining tool. Let him know if he refuses to sign over his rights, you are going to go forward with collecting child support to help raise your child.

If he still refuses, you can petition to have his rights terminated on grounds of abandoment. You will need to get an attorney and check the laws in your area. In Ohio, it is a minimum of 6 months with no contact or child support then you can file abandonment charges. During this time you can petition to have his rights terminated to allow your husband to adopt. You will need to prove that it is in the best interest of the child etc. Keep in mind, if he fights it... you will be in for an uphill battle.