Me and my husband are going to adopt my 9 year old daughter?

Question

what happens in step parent adoption if the real birth father can never be found

Answer 1

This site looks like it has a lot of good information on adoption in the UK. They have a legal help line.

Answer 2

he has to be given the chance to reject his parenting rights - if he cannot be found i am not sure if she can be adopted

If you are in the states each area had different laws.  I worked for a family in the Georgia where the step dad was adopting the children and they had to have home visits to make sure he was suitable (he had been step dad for 8 years!!).  He could adopt as birth dad had not contacted or supported for two years.

In the UK you would have to get a lawyer as it is very complex - only take advice from a professional.  I still think dad has to be given chance to relinquish his rights.

If he cannot be contacted In that case i think you would go to court and they may decide that it is in best interests for his parental rights to be terminated and for her to be adopted but would have to show you had tried to contact him

Answer 3

You have to go through the steps. A case has to be opened and they have to look for him. If he is nt found then you can have a judge over ride his rights. But it takes time and deppending on the judge. Some judges will not over ride his rights. It is a very touchy subject. Try to get a private detective to locate him.

  Good Luck and my prayers are with you! I hope you Angels guide your family in the right direction!

  Email me if you have a ny questions!

Answer 4

wait, i don't get it. you mean you adopted out your child, and now you're adopting her again? don't know what you mean.

Answer 5

You can find anyone if you look

See a solicitor who deals with family law, some offer a free initial consultation and will be able to answer your questions more accurately than strangers on the internet

Answer 6

U don't say wether the biological father is on the birth cert. If he is not and has had no contact with the child for a reasonable amount of time and does not pay csa. Ur husband should b able 2 adopt no trouble. U don't need 2 adopt ur own child but may have 2 give ur husband permission 2 become her legal gardian. Her biological father will then no longer have 2 pay csa probably much 2 his delight as most absent parents only stay hidden 2 avoid payin csa. The other option is u don't know who the father is I am not being rude but some people do find them selves in such situations and he defo would't b on birth cert then makin ur life much easier. U can change ur daughters surname in the meantime if u haven't already it is really easy 2 do at registrars espec if bio father is long term none contact. This would also help 2 make her feel closer 2 her now father and assuming she has been consulted about it. She will feel more like part of the same family unit and be proud 2 share her name with her mum and soon 2 b dad. I know my children r .

Answer 7

well firstly goodluck ..as for the real father well if he cannot be found then he is not very accesable so thats his fault just make sure that you have the law on your side and that if he doe's appear then know your rights ie i would say go away and come and try your luck when your child is 18 and see if they want to see you i have seen it  and well if you cannot be a parent 24hrs 365 days then why bother so good luck and marvellous just wonderful yours spud

Answer 8

You are going to adopt your own daughter?Not sure what you mean.

Answer 9

I'm really chuffed with you.

Answer 10

The biological father has to give consent OR have been given reasonable time to get in contact.

I've been through this.  My mums second husband wanted to adopt me, I was 8.  It had been 5 years since I'd seen my biological father and the judge wouldn't allow the adoption as he said the time hadn't been adequate for my father.

Your best going to a solicitor to find out.  It depends on other things as well, such as is the biological father on her birth certificate etc.  I am currently going through this with my daughter.

Good Luck

x*x

Answer 11

Its ok they will never no any how!

Answer 12

Hi Minnie, phone your local High Court and ask to speak to the Adoption Officer, they will give you the correct advice rather than people on here from the USA giving improper advice when we aren't asking for USA laws and people who know absolutely nothing about adoption giving answers when they havn't a clue what they are talking about.

My husband is adopting my son through step parent adoption and I have to adopt him also (crazy law) but the bio is on the birth certificate and is giving his consent so im not sure what the procedure would be if his where-abouts weren't known, phone your high court and see what they say

Good luck hope it works out

Kate

Answer 13

you cannot adopt without both parents signed approval so if he dad doesnt turn up ur new hubby cant adopt her sorry

Answer 14

You'd have to talk to an adoption lawyer for the laws specific to your state, but generally, there is a certain time allotment for the birth father to come forward and challenge the adoption.  At 9 years old, your daughter's wishes should have some legal bearing as well.

Edit: UK?  Well, forget the "state specific" stuff, but you should still talk to an adoption lawyer.

Answer 15

I know exactly what you mean. Once the adoption has been through the courts your husband will be the legal guardian(parent) As long as a reasonable search has been done to trace the birth father, which is necessary anyway to satisfy the judge.Once done he(birth father) has no legal rights whatsoever. Your local social services department will guide you through the process as it can be complicated in parts. The easiest way is to get the birth fathers agreement for the adoption if this is not possible, a search will have to be done and satisfy the court. Good luck. Please remember your wee girl can search for her birth father when she turns 16 or earlier with counselling.This is UK procedure. Good luck

Answer 16

if he cant be found the new one cant adopt!!

Answer 17

find out the laws, but you may have to prove that you "searched" for this man before your husband can adopt her. You can't adopt her because you are already her mother and legal parent so there is no need for an adoption.

Answer 18

I am confused.

I think you are saying your husband is going to adopt her.

I would talk to an adoption lawyer.

I know it can be done, however I am not sure of the specifics!