question on step parent adoption

[Peanuts200788]

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

if i have a child whos father is not in the picture has not 'legitimated' him-his name is not on the birth certificate is it possible for someone (say a step father) to adopt him? he has my last name @ this time

 

[Ohiogal]

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

if i have a child whos father is not in the picture has not 'legitimated' him-his name is not on the birth certificate is it possible for someone (say a step father) to adopt him? he has my last name @ this time

YOu need to serve the alleged father or fathers.

 

[Peanuts200788]

that doesn't answer my question--the father doesn't want to be in his life--so can a step parent adopt him legally

 

[AHA]

that doesn't answer my question--the father doesn't want to be in his life--so can a step parent adopt him legally

Are you married to the potential "stepfather"?

 

[LdiJ]

that doesn't answer my question--the father doesn't want to be in his life--so can a step parent adopt him legally

Yes, its possible for a stepparent to adopt the child. However, an adoption is not a DIY project and really needs and attorney. You need to be getting a consult with a local adoption attorney.

As OG told you, normally the potential father needs to be served as part of the adoption case. However, most states do allow for involuntary termination of parents rights on the basis of abandonment, and often the potential father does not have to be served in that kind of case. The adoption attorney will best answer those questions for your state.

 

[Peanuts200788]

how long does it take for abandonment to be declared??

i know you have to be married for a certain amount of time to be able to do it anyway just wanted information

 

[Zigner]

that doesn't answer my question--the father doesn't want to be in his life--so can a step parent adopt him legally

If the father doesn't want the child, the father should be happy to "sign off" on the adoption. Consult a local adoption attorney.

 

[TheGeekess]

Hey, Peanut, did you have your peanut yet? What'd you get?

 

[Peanuts200788]

he was born on march 27th 2008 weighing in at 6 lbs 6 oz; he was almost a month early so he spent four days in the NICU but you'd never know it looking at him =] he's the best thing that ever happened to me.

 

[TheGeekess]

he was born on march 27th 2008 weighing in at 6 lbs 6 oz; he was almost a month early so he spent four days in the NICU but you'd never know it looking at him =] he's the best thing that ever happened to me.

A little Aries boy? Cool... Glad you and he are doing well. I've found out some things about Georgia... Do a search and read them.

 

[StampGirl]

he was born on march 27th 2008 weighing in at 6 lbs 6 oz; he was almost a month early so he spent four days in the NICU but you'd never know it looking at him =] he's the best thing that ever happened to me.

Congrats Hope things are good for you and lil peanut

 

[Peanuts200788]

OG can you give me a start on where to look?? =D

 

[haiku]

OG can you give me a start on where to look?? =D

A lawyers office.

An adoption should NEVER start as a "do-it-yourself", project.

 

[Peanuts200788]

oh if i was going to do it i would definately consult an attorney because i want to do things the right way.

as for the post about filing abandonment, how much time must go by before you declare 'abandonment' or file anything.

 

[Humusluvr]

oh if i was going to do it i would definately consult an attorney because i want to do things the right way.

as for the post about filing abandonment, how much time must go by before you declare 'abandonment' or file anything.

At least a year with no contact and no support.

And then another year for your marriage and step father adoption.

If dad signs it on his own accord, everyone is good to go. If you sneak it past him or he protests - not good.