[DebraK]

I was divorced from my husband 6 years ago and we are currently reunited and residing together, but not yet remarried. During the divorce years (6 years), I was involved in another relationship and had a child. The BF has not had any contact for the past 3 years -- the only time seeing baby at one day of age. BF's name is not on the birth certificate, nor has paternity been established. No contact, no support, just no contact in any way, shape or form.

My question is, do we have to be remarried or even be married for a certain time frame before adoption can take place? He wants to adopt, and we've only been in the talking phase of remarriage sometime in the future.

Can this be done without the assistance of an attorney? I've called a few and they are rather pricey. We were initially just going to go for a last name change, but I know this needs to be taken care of legally as well. In our state, 1 year with no contact at all constitutes termination of parental rights.

I've tried looking on the net for any type of information, but have come up with no concrete answers.

Thanks for any help anyone might give!
Deb