[JWK516]

My fiancee and I are from Michigan. She has 3 children from her previous relationship. From talking to her ex, he's more than willing to sign off his rights. I heard that in Michigan a father is not allowed to simply sign off his rights unless there is somebody there to adopt them in his place.

Is there any way that we can get him to sign off his rights without us being married and if we do have to be married, do we need to be married for a specific period of time before I can adopt them?
Thanks

[Eventually]

You mostly definitely have to be married first and it is usually for a year, although in some states, it is less (ie: 6 months) or more (ie: 2 years.) I know it seems like a lot of time, but it really flies by and the day you can adopt will be here before you know it. Good luck.

[busymom4]

I live in Antrim county. We were told that there was no limit to how long we had to be married, but we do have to be married. And yes, the biological father can not sign off unless there is someone wanting to adopt.