I want my husband to adopt my son (4yrs).?

Question

The Birth father cannot be found. I haven't had contact with him for 2 years. I reside in both missouri and Kansas. Does it matter what state I do the paper work in? What can I expect before talking to a lawyer? Will I have to wait until the birth father is found?

Answer 1

You can do these type of adoption on your own.  It takes some research but it can be done.  Go to the courthouse and ask what paper work you need.  

In general, if you cannot locate the birth father, you need to publish an announcement in a local paper of his last known address to notify him re adoption.  Basically, you need to show the court that you made a good faith effort to locate and notify the parent.  Unless, the birth father objects, adoption cases like yours tend to be fairly easy (at least based on the experiences of two relatives who did it).

Answer 2

You ordinarily will proceed in the state where the child is a resident. Where do you vote [I hope it is not in both states - ], pay your taxes, have your drivers license.

By all means get a lawyer who is experienced in family law and has a lot of step-parent adoption experience.

Ordinarily you will have to demonstrate that you made a legitimate and effective attempt to locate the bio father. That is necessary before his parental rights are terminated. Then your husband can adopt.

I think that the people who tell you that you can do this on your own are giving you faulty information and advice.

good luck to you all

Answer 3

You made four children with a man, and call him "the birthfather"?!

Answer 4

make sure you get a copy (or 4 or 5) of your sons original birth certificate.

once you do this adoption, BY LAW, neither of you will be allowed a copy from his original BC from then on.

sad, isn't it????