[cubfan]

I live in Illinois and have been married to my wife for over 7 years. In that time my step children (14 and 15) have not seen their birth father. He was in and out of prison, hasn't paid child support in over 8 years and hasn't contacted them in any way in the past 8 years.

My wife and I wanted me to adopt the boys a long time ago but to do it would mean to bring this man back into our lives and we were afraid he'd make our lives miserable.

Their birth father passed away last week and I'd like to adopt the boys now. The boys are very much wanting this as well.

How long does it take for a step parent adoption when the birth father has passed away? I have looked up the Illinois Adoption Act and don't see anything in it when a birth parent is dead.

Does anyone know how long it would take? Does anyone know if this is a case you can represent yourself in at court?

Thanks in advance.

[MrsHoot]

You can also represent yourself (pro se)...I used to live in cook county and I know there were specific days that you could go to the court house and get free legal advice from laywers who donate their time...I'm sure they could quickly advise you on what forms to fill out. Once you have the "papers filed" it's just a matter of the next available court date. So I would just call your County Clerks Office and see what day the lawyers donate time in your county.

Just some things to be sure you have when you go...the obit and or a death certificate, plus proof that he is the father...i.e, divorce papers naming him as father, copies of the childrens birth certificates, etc. Also make sure you have a copy of your Marriage License.

Best of LucK!
C.