[solarscarlet]

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I am new to this board living in Ohio & looking for advise/suggestions/support with my situation. Here is my story:

I am 29yrs old & have a handsome son from a previous marriage who will be 7yrs old on 11-19. My son's BF & I divorced back in 1996 for a number of reasons. We agreed that I would have full custody & he would get standard visitation along with paying child support. My son's BF ended up only seeing him a few times since he was born; all within the first year an a half of his life. He would show up when it was convient (sp?) for him. He moved a couple of times since then along with changing jobs numerous times. Child support has also been sportatic; he is behind too.

I remarried last year to a wonderful man who has been a loving, acting part in my son's life. We explained to my son that my husband would be his step-father. He asked why I wasn't with his father & I explained that we couldnt get along. He asked if he worked, his name, & to see a picture. Since then he has asked nothing about him.

My husband & I have discussed with my son the idea of my husband adopting him & he is all for it. I was able to get an email address of my ex-spouse to talk to him about giving up his parental right, so that my son could be adopted. I got a response that said he would not stand in the way of my son having a family. He would not contest it. So, we were going to wait till the new year to move forward with it....until recently.

This past Friday, I recieved a call from my ex-spouse (who was given my phone number by either his mother or sister; who I am still in contact with) telling me that after almost 6yrs...he has decided that he wants to speak to my son...OMG....!! Kept saying that my son was STILL his son. I didnt know what to do; I told him that I would have to call him back. I have not called him back yet.

My husband & I have decided to get an attorney; which we have a meeting with on Thursday. We are putting thru the adoption as soon as possible. But I am worried now since my ex-spouse has tried to contact my son; that it might be a roadblock for us.

Do you think that we have a chance? That we can use the fact he hasnt contacted my son in 6yrs (even though he recently called)?

Has anyone else been in the same situation? Any familiar with the Ohio Adoption Laws?

Any advice, comments, suggestions, or even support would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for listening,
Lisa (Solarscarlet)

[cladd]

In Ohio adoption the biological parent has to be notified, and he has the right ot contest the adoption but, that does not mean that a judge will listen to him and allow him to stop the adoption. The judge may very well say that he does not have to give his consent to the adoption since he has not been in the child's life . See the laws in Ohio for stepparent adoption and who has to consent.