Is there anyway to do a step parent adoption without being married, or any alternitive types of adoption?

Question

we live in florida, biological father live in NY and already agreed and signed away his rights...not much money for a wedding right now or a lawyer...i have all the paperwork filled out but we have not signed it yet b/c it says we have to sign our married names

Answer 1

Unfortunately there isn't any other way other then getting married. I am going through FL for the same thing and can not complete the papers until we are married. It doesn't cost much to do a court house wedding. I believe its only a total of $80 which should cover your marriage license and the marriage ceremony. They are not the step-parent until you are married was the reason i was told that it could not be done. Also if something happened and the parents didn't stay together the child could end up going through a number of adoptions until the biological parent found the person they really did want to stay with and that is no life for a child.

Answer 2

If you don't have the money for a big wedding, just have a small one for now.  A wedding doesn't cost a lot, a reception does.  Get married now with just close friends and family, and have a more elaborate ceremony when you can afford it.

Answer 3

You need to get married.  I planned a small wedding in 10 days for the same reason.  My husband adopted my daughter and the judge would not sign the papers until he made sure there was someone taking resp. for my daughter that I WAS married to.  If not go to the courthouse and get married if you are that eager to get the adoption done.  It is only in both of your best interest anyway.  Have a big wedding later.

Answer 4

What about legal guardianship?