[tinwoman]

I'm a mother a 3 1/2 yr old boy. Whose "father" is more of a sperm donor than a father. He has never been involved and I would rather it stay that way. Hes been in trouble with the law, and is always disappearing for long periods. I'm currently seeing a man I am going to marry in the future. I want to know what I have to do so he can adopt my son. My sons sperm donor is not on the birth cert. So I'm unsure what his rights are. Any help would be nice. Thank you.

[Synnen]

Whether he is on the birth certificate, he still has parental rights.

Most states require that you be married before a step-parent adoption can take place.

So--get married, get a lawyer, petition the birthfather to voluntarily terminate his rights. If he won't do it voluntarily, hit him up for child support and back support, as much as you can get. Amazingly, some men are really quick to sign that paper once it gets them out of payments. Then have your attorney draw up adoption papers, and go to court to have your new husband adopt.

[Fr_Chuck]

Also most of the dead beat dads will be glad to sign over the rights if you are chasing them for the past due child support that you got after the child was born.