My husband wants to adopt our son?

Question

I had my son when I was 17. Three weeks after he was born I began dating my now husband. My sons biological father and I did a paternity test in Virginia (where I lived and gave birth to my son) and determined that he was indeed my sons father. I never went after him for child support, and he has never tried to contact us in any way to see how my son is. My husband wants to do a stepparent adoption, but we dont know whether we do it in Virginia, or where we are currently living (kansas). Also, if anyone knows the laws of stepparent adoption for Virginia or Kansas or knows of a website where I can obtain them, please let me know. Thanks!

Answer 1

You should contact an attorney.  It's likely that this can be done for a very low cost.

You'll likely be doing the adoption where you currently reside but you'll either need to serve notice to your son's biological father or post an ad in the newspaper wherever he probably is so that the parental rights can be terminated.

Answer 2

You will have to seek an attorney where you live.  He/She will send adoption papers to the birthfather.  If he cannot be located, they will public ate on him, or do a diligent search for him.  It is important to try and find him so the adoption will never be in jeopardy.  If he signs, or his rights are terminated, then you can proceed with the adoption.  You may have to have a homestudy.  Costs will vary but may be $1000-$3000.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Below is a link I found regarding revoking parental rights in Kansas.  According to this website and according to your situation, it appears that you do not need his consent (due to abandonment and lack of contact, etc).  You may want to contact this agency for more information. Good luck and may God bless you and yours!

http://www.adopting.org/adoptions/relinq...

Answer 4

Oh I don't know but Congrat's on finding such a GREAT man!!

Answer 5

I am in the midst of a step parent adoption in Kansas. I am trying to adopt my (step)daughter.  You will have to file in Kansas because that is the state that has jurisdiction. Its actually a very simple process if the absent parent doesnt object. You will have to find the biological dad and ask him to terminate his rights. If he wont, then the state will terminate his rights if he hasnt seen(or contacted) the child or paid support in 2 years. Then your husband will be free to adopt your son. It was $1500 up front for fees to cover the termination and adoption, but the bio mom objected so now we have to go to court to settle it. Here is a link for grounds for termination of parental rights in kansas

http://library.adoption.com/termination-...

You need to get an appointment with an attorney. The original consult is usually free. You can try legal aid for low cost lawyers.

GOODLUCK

Answer 6

orrrr, just wait one more year till your son is 18 then he can be adopted without having to ask permission from his biological dad. At least that's the way it is here in PA.

Answer 7

I don't know how it is in Kansas, but I am currently trying to do the same in Alabama.  At my most recent child support hearing the judge said that I need to get a private attorney to have his parental rights taken away.  After that my soon to be husband will be free to adopt my son as his own.  Just contact an attorney and he/she will help you with everything! Good luck!

Answer 8

The father of the child most likely will have to relinquish his rights.  At any rate, you need to talk to an attorney about this.

Answer 9

You can do it in your current state of residence.  However, you will need to locate the biological father of your son as he will need to formally and legally give up all of his parental rights before your husband can adopt your son.

Consult a family law attorney to get the most comprehensive information on the process.  I wish you the best!

Answer 10

Yes, you can do it in Kansas.  Assuming the biological father don't have nothing to do with the child.

Answer 11

You would do the adoption in the state where the child is a current resident. You will still need your son's father to sign off on the adoption whether he's had contact or not.  Too many women have lied to judges about lack of contact when they actually have been preventing contact that judges are getting savvy on that one.  You will need a lawyer.  Too complex to make it a do-it-yourself project.