[jamleakolt]

Father was granted primary physical care with mother having joint custody. It has been almost 2 years since the mother has exercised her rights according to the paperwork. She hasn't even SEEN the children in 173 days and hasn't called to talk to them in 97 days. She is doing drugs heavily. We have reported the drug use but DHS is overlooking it for some stupid reason. I am the childrens' step mother and wanting badly to adopt them. Need help to see how we can get her rights terminated because she will not willinginly sign off on adoption papers.

[stinawords]

First thing you do is shop around for an attorney in your area. Have you been married long? Based only on what you have said (and assuming you have been married for at least a year) I see you guys being successful in the adoption being a success. However, that does not mean quick and painless. Adoptions are very detail oriented which is why you need the attorney (one that practices family). Does the mother pay child support? If so she may actually be more willing than you think to allow the adoption without a fight because she would no longer be the legal parent so would not longer owe support. Has your husband been in contact with her to find out if she would allow the adoption?

But as I said first thing you do is find a local attorney. A lot have consultations at a reduced rate or free.

[ScottGem]

Don't try to separate the two. The ONLY way you will get her rights terminated is as part of an adoption. If she doesn't contest the adoption or agrees to it, then it will be easy. Even if she contests it, you can probably get the court to override. But you have to do it as part of a package.

And I would strongly advise getting an attorney to prepare the paperwork.