termination of right/adoption

[mels]

This is coming from Florida. I have 2 children, ages 5 and 11, who are wanting to be adopted by their stepfather, and he also wants to adopt them. The problem is that the birth father will not consent. He pays child support now, but only because he was ordered to by the courts. He did not pay anything for the almost 2 years we were separated before the divorce was final (about 1-1/2 years ago). He has note cared whether he sees the kids or not until recently when he found out I was remarried and the stepfather was wanting to adopt, now all of a sudden he cares. Until this time, I can count on my hands the number of times he saw them in 3 years or more. He is an alcoholic and has failed rehab on several occasions and also smokes marijuana. He has also recently been disturbing the kids by showing up at their bus stop unannounced asking for pitty or something.

Question: What are my chances of having his parental rights terminated so that I can go on with the adoption?

Would I need a lawyer for this or can I do this on my own?

Can I have the kids names changed in the meantime without his consent?

 

[mels]

I never got an answer on my first post, so I am adding this.

I have an appointment with a lawyer next week, but I wanted to get someone else's opinion and input on what is going on before I went.

I know that this is the right thing for my kids and I know that this is what they want. I just want an opinion as to what my chances are, etc. DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY IDEAS?