My husband's ex-wife left in Aug 2000 and she was not alowed visition and they granted my husband soul custody and she has had no contact with our daugther since then. Michelle is now 5 and has only known me as her mommy. We live in NC and ex wife lives in TN . She now has another daugther so I am told through the grapevine. I want to adopt Michelle but what are my chances of winning? Some people are telling that since we have the same last name and the ex has no contact that I should leave well enough alone. I want her parental rights terminated, she hasn't paid a dime of child support. Nor do I want the money. I have supported and loved her and i want her to be mine legally. Will we have a hard time getting the rights revoked? What happens if she fights? Do the courts usally go with the birth mother or do they favor the one who has raised and supported the child?
PLease help! I need something to go on......