[Archive]

Originally Posted By Fran

What are my chances of adopting my stepson? I am married to the father and the father has legal custody. Mother has had no visitation in over three years. Child is 5 years old and I have been the only Mother he knows since he has been 1 1/2 years old. Please any help would be appreciated

[Mymi2411]

Hi,

I am in the exact same situation as you are. My stepson has been with me and my husband for 5 years now. Bio Mom has seen him 3 hours in the last 3 years and talks to him on the phone somtimes.
She promised to give up her parental rights after she goes through her custody battle for her other child but has no listed phone number anymore where we can reach her to find out what happened.
I want to adopt him and he wants me too as well. Did you ever adopt yours? Please reply.

Thanks

Myriam

[christina_davis]

This is a reply for bolth of you..I am in Ca and the law here states that if there has been NO CONTACT OR NO SUPPORT in 1 Year it is considered abandonment..I believe in your state it is only 6 months, check with your state civil codes. My husband just adopted my 2 girls this month and it was so easy. Once you file the paper work to have the b-mothers rights taken away it will only take about a month for the adoption to go through. You want to file request for relinquishing rights form..I think you can actually fill out the paperwork on your own, however i think it is best you have either a paralegal or an attorney to help you threw it. They are very inexpensive and i think it is worth the money. If you have any questions feel free to ask, good luck to bolth of you.

[Mymi2411]

Do you know what they consider no contact as she does call from time to time or we call her (because of my initiation)? Also where do I get the necessary forms from.
Thanks so much for your reply.

Myriam

[christina_davis]

NO CONTACT means no calling, no letters, no gifts on holidays or b-days, no e-mails,etc... If you only hear from her maybe once a year or even twice a year i think you can get away with that as no contact..You need to get the form " requesting to terminate parental rights form" and you can get that at your local court house.. Tell them you want the packet for a step-parent adoption. In some states the packets are free. Need any more help let me know.. Good luck..