I want to adopt my Fiances Son

[GPM]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida

I would like to adopt my Fiances son. We know the biological father but he never signed the Birth certificate and has had zero contact with us or the child. No Child support, No Legal rights whatsoever. The child knows only myself as his father. He just turned seven years old in August and we have all been living together since he was 1 year old. This is something that we have been wanting for some time now and I want to make sure that if anything should happen to either myself or his mother, that he will be taken care of by either one. Do I need a lawyer? Can we do this on our own? Will the process be easier if we get married? Thank you in advance for all that replyWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[PQN]

married

Until you make a legal commitment to the mother (i.e. get married), you will not be able to make a legal commitment to her child (i.e. step-parent adoption).

And yes, you will need a lawyer. Adoption is not a DIY project.

 

[Gracie3787]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida

I would like to adopt my Fiances son. We know the biological father but he never signed the Birth certificate and has had zero contact with us or the child. No Child support, No Legal rights whatsoever. The child knows only myself as his father. He just turned seven years old in August and we have all been living together since he was 1 year old. This is something that we have been wanting for some time now and I want to make sure that if anything should happen to either myself or his mother, that he will be taken care of by either one. Do I need a lawyer? Can we do this on our own? Will the process be easier if we get married? Thank you in advance for all that replyWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

You have to be married for at least 1 year before you can even begin the process.
Once you've been married for a year, you'll need to hire an attorney since the putitive father has to be notified.

 

[VeronicaLodge]

you've been with this person for 7 years and want to adopt her son but haven't managed to get married in all this time? what are you waiting for?

 

[dannyt]

youre a legal stranger

Until you make a legal commitment to the mother (i.e. get married), you will not be able to make a legal commitment to her child (i.e. step-parent adoption).

And yes, you will need a lawyer. Adoption is not a DIY project.

and if something happens to mom, youre sol. you have no legal rights whatsoever to her child