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Originally Posted By Nancy

I have an 8 year old daughter from my first husband. He has chosen not to be a part of her life through his actions. However, through my divorce, the judge made me accept child support -- and what I have always received pays only for gas, bread and milk. I met my current husband when my daughter was 3 months old, and it has been us three ever since. She is well aware of the situation, has met her biological father, but choses on her own to carry my husband's name, and claim him as her 'real' father. We recently moved from Missouri to Florida. My husband wants to adopt her, but the ex has challanged giving up his parental rights. We spoke with an attorney (in Missouri) before we moved, and we found that although the ex won't give up his rights, there are legal ways to get around him without his consent. Because we live in another state, where should we start? Should be retain a lawyer in Florida, Missouri or both? Where do the preceedings take place?