terminate fathers parental rights

[jollyranchers]

i am the mother of a 14 yearold daughter. her biological father lives out of state. they have not had any sort of contact since 1995, that was over the telephone. the last time they saw each other was 1991. he has never paid child support (i never filed for it) i have been married for 12 years. my husband has supported her since she was 8 months old. my husband wishes to adopt her. my question is how can i terminate the biological fathers parental rights?
my daughter and i live in washington, dc and the biological father lives in georgia.

 

[usmcfamily]

With the legnth of time that the bio-father has made no effort to financially OR emotionally (the court looks at both!) the child there is every chance in the world that a petition by you to terminate his parental rights on the basis of child abandonment would be granted. You state he has not paid support - was there support ordered? If there was and he is that far in arrears it will also work in the favor of you and the step-father.
I strongly suggest seeking the representation of an attorney - these can get complicated - and have them file the petition....the bio-father will be served and given a time (typically 30 days) to contest ...if he does there will be a hearing at which both sides will state their case and the judge will rule based on what he sees as in the childs best interest (in this case she has obviously built the parental bond w/the step and not the bio-dad and at her age will likely be given an opportunity to give her opinion -- and based on what you have stated about the situation there isn't much chance the motion would be denied unless he does some REAL fast talking!). If the bio-father does not respond then there will be no need for a hearing and the termination will be granted and the adoption can proceed from there. It is important that the court knows there is a step-father wanting to adopt as parental rights are not terminated w/out someone willing to take them - adopt the child - on except in cases of neglect/abuse as this not only bast***izes the child but also leaves the state responsible to support the child should the situation arise later that would require this.
Good luck and God Bless