[sarahnj2812]

How can I file paternal abandoment agaianst my daughter's father. I've received no independent child support from him and he's made no attempt to contact the courts or myself regarding her welfare , since she was 1 year old and now turning almost 5 years of age. My fiancé and I would like to get married and if he wants nothing to do with her I'd like to know the steps I can take to protect her. My fiancé is the only father she knows and would like to adopt legally.

[Fr_Chuck]

Do you have a court ordered child support ?

If you did not go to court and get a support order then he does not owe anything yet ( legally) morally of course he does.

If your boyfriend want to adopt, most states require you to be married, ( and often for a year)

But you will have to contact the father, to get him to sign to allow for the adoption.

[martinizing2]

And I would add that in some states if you cannot find the father you are allowed to make a public notice like in a newspaper and if there is no response adoption will be allowed barring any other problems.

I suggest you get an attorney and get the facts from an expert in your particular state.

It is the man who loves the child enough to be there for them that is the real father.
Producing sperm does not make someone a father.
Caring, sacrificing and sharing a life will make a man a father.