Adoption!!!?

Question

I want my stepdad to adopt me but i have a feeling my father will not agree to it. I have not seen my father in 2 1/2 years and he left my mom when i was still a baby,over the years i have seen him like out of the blue but not ever on a regular basis. I dont know him and dont really want to know him. Anyways my question is, if my father hasnt ever been there for me does he really have a say in what happens???

Answer 1

In some states it depends on your age.  I just went through this with my son who is 7 years old.  His dad has never been around.  We just went ahead and filed the papers with the court and he didn't even come to court to fight me on it.  If your father hasn't seen you in 2 and a half years, I don't think it would really fight it but you know better than I do.  All you can do is try.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Unfortunately, under the law, he does. If your mom can talk to him, perhaps it would work out if he agrees. Does he pay child support? If so, and you were adopted, he wouldn't have to anymore. It's just a consideration for your mom. If your real dad is a "good guy", and sees that you and your stepdad love each other, then perhaps he would do this. If not, then unfortunately, it would cause alot of friction. How does your stepdad and mom feel about all this? Have you told them how you feel? I wish you all the luck in the world.

Answer 3

if your fathers on your birth certificate then yes he does have a say, i wish my partner now would adopt my son but going through court at the mo.

Answer 4

Unfortunately yes.  You can ask the judge to terminate his parental rights.  Tell him exactly what you told us.  If his parental rights are terminated your step-father will be able to adopt you.  Also if you wanted you can legally change your last name to your step-fathers last name without your fathers permission.

Answer 5

if your stepfather can prove he is an unfit father and you say you want your step dad as your adoptive dad then the judge will probably grant it

Answer 6

Unfortunately he does legally have a say in whether or not you can be adopted by anyone, including your step dad. As sad as it is, you can't get rid of him until you are 18, unless he lets you. But, look at it this way... you are lucky to have a wonderful step dad in your life. Some people still have to live with a dead beat dad....

By the way, even if you or your mom don't give a current address for him, the clerk of court will get his address from the DMV if he has a driver's license, or from the IRS if he has a job and pays taxes and they will notify him of the adoption proceedings. I wish it were easier, but it's not.

Answer 7

If you know where to find your father (or your mom does) then yes, he has to be served court papers to let him know of the upcoming adoption and he can contest it.  If your father cannot be found then it is a bit easier as the adoption would be done by your mom putting a notice in the paper about the upcoming adoption addresses to him. And don't worry, it is not like a full page ad in your local newspaper!  It is usually published in an obscure court house newspaper that is rarely seen by the outside world unless your county says it has to be done in the local paper. Then it is just a small ad that states the intentions and the date in court. You don't say how old you are but if you are 12 and up the judge will listen to you in private chambers and take everything you say into account when making his decision if your dad does contest it.

The very best of luck to you and it is wonderful that you have such a great step-dad!

Answer 8

Depends on your age, but usually you do have a say.  You will likely have to take it to court and it will be a long process.  On the other hand, if your bio. father doesn't show in court, the judge usually automatically awards you whatever you want.

Answer 9

In Louisiana, if one full year passes with no contact between a parent and his/her child, then an attorney can take it to court.  Parental rights can be legally and permently terminated and the child is eligble to be adopted by a step-parent or anyone else.

Ask an attorney in your state what your state laws are.

Answer 10

I know in some states or places it depends on your age.  You should look into it or have your mom and stepdad check it out.