Stepparent Adoption

[anyagramiak]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Pennsylvania, Bucks County
My daughter is 8 yrs old. I have been with my husband for 6 years, and he is the only father she knows. Her birth father has not tried to contact her, or paid support in over 6 years. We think he is in Oklahoma, but have had no success trying to contact him.
Tomorrow is our first hearing in our step parent adoption case. The court date was published in his local paper. I am wondering what will happen at tomorrows hearing just so I am prepared. I'm not sure if he has a lawyer, or if he will even show up to court, I'm just assuming that I would know by now. We do not have a lawyer since the father is totally unresponsive, and has been for so many years. I hope that the adoption is done right there tomorrow morning, but I know that's wishful thinking. I guess I'm curious if they will terminate his rights tomorrow first, then schedule another hearing for the actual adoption, or if the termination and adopotion will both take place tomorrow. I'm also curious what happens if he does show up. Any help preparing us is greatly appreciated!! Hope everyone has a wonderful day, and weekend!

 

[Antigone*]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Pennsylvania, Bucks County
My daughter is 8 yrs old. I have been with my husband for 6 years, and he is the only father she knows. Her birth father has not tried to contact her, or paid support in over 6 years. We think he is in Oklahoma, but have had no success trying to contact him.
Tomorrow is our first hearing in our step parent adoption case. The court date was published in his local paper. I am wondering what will happen at tomorrows hearing just so I am prepared. I'm not sure if he has a lawyer, or if he will even show up to court, I'm just assuming that I would know by now. We do not have a lawyer since the father is totally unresponsive, and has been for so many years. I hope that the adoption is done right there tomorrow morning, but I know that's wishful thinking. I guess I'm curious if they will terminate his rights tomorrow first, then schedule another hearing for the actual adoption, or if the termination and adopotion will both take place tomorrow. I'm also curious what happens if he does show up. Any help preparing us is greatly appreciated!! Hope everyone has a wonderful day, and weekend!

You waited until the day before the hearing

No matter, SeniorJudge took the FA crystal ball as a doggie toy for Violet and Violet growls at anyone one dares try to get a glimpse of it. I, for one, am not willing to go up against that possessive schnauzer, so I guess you are just going to have to wait and see what happens tomorrow.

 

[ecmst12]

You really should get a lawyer involved. This is not something you want to make even one little mistake on.