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For step-parent adoption...the couple usually has to be married for at least 1 year before an adoption can occur. You can TPR a legal fathers rights if he has abandoned the child....abandonment is defined as failing to uphold parental duties for a period lasting longer then 6 months in most states.
Both child-support and visitation needs to be non-existant. If the bio father pays child support but doesn't visit...or visits but doesn't pay child support you usually can't tpr rights.
Check into your states laws. It may take about 2 years for you to qualify to adopt...1 year for marriage...and then 6 months of No Contact with the bio father and child. Then you can petition for TPR on the grounds of abandonment...and step parent adoption. Good luck.
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