Process of adopting a step child

Question

Hi, I have a few questions. My husband would like to adopt my 5 year old son. Here are the facts: My son was born in Az. We currently live in Az. My ex has never paid child support, has never visited, and has stated that he wants to sign his rights over. He is currently in a psych ward in the Az. state prison. My ex's doctor has told us that he is incompitent and is not able to sign papers. My husband and I are being re-stationed in the Air Force and need my ex to sign over custody for us to be able to bring my son overseas. These are my questions:

Where do I start?

How much will this cost?

If my ex is incompitent, is there any other way for him to give up his rights?

How long does this process usually take?

Answer 1

im only 11 so wutz Az.?. srry but... idk, not dumb

Answer 2

A judge can terminate his parental rights based on the information you have on him. That will open the way for your husband to adopt him. A parent doesn't ALWAYS have to sign the papers to give up their rights. Sometimes they can be stripped from them. Contact your lawyer.

Answer 3

Start by calling a lawyer. Have all the facts ready and backed up with as much documentation as you can. Every case is different. Is your ex's name on the birth certificate?