Does anyone know anything about step-parent adoption in California?

Question

My husband would like to adopt our 5 year old son. He has raised him since he was 2 years old. My son knows no one other than my husband as his father. The sperm donor (as I like to call him) shows no interest and has never paid any type of support. I have also been informed that there is a possibilty that he returned to his native country. I know he will not sign over his parental rights. How can go about this with out causing a big stir. My son is VERY happy and a stable little boy and I do not want his life to be turned upside down because of someone elses foolishness. I should also mentioned that he has 3 older kids that he also never really supported and would rarely see and turns out he also now has a young child. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I know a really good attorney that can help you out with this situation.  Email me.

Answer 2

You need to go to your local courthouse, and ask for a step parent adoption packet. It is a form that the step parent has to iniciate and file with the court. There is a form in the back, that is for the bio dad to relinquish his rights. If he is unable to be contacted, you need to show the court to what means you have tried to make contact and how you have been unable to locate him. like run and add in the local newspaper of his last known address, print attempts of internet searches, and searching for or contacting known relitives, if the court finds you have down all you can, they may grant adoption, or terminate his perental rights, based on his delinquency. Most courts have family law facilitators who can help one on one with the nessasary paperwork, and filing process, that are public lawyers, but free to you. they do not go to court with you or anything, but help with the process, and they can give leagal advice.