[Sytanek]

Maybe someone on here can help. I live in florida and have been married since october. My wife became pregnant in the state of texas. when she was 8 months pregnant she moved to florida with her family. The only contact she has had with the bio father was when my step daughter was 2 months old and that was over the phone. During this conversation the bio stated he didnt think the baby was even his and wanted to be left alone. He has not contributed one penny to my wonderful stepdaughter. I have been taking care of her since she was a year old. Being raised by a single mom, and later having a step parent and siblings, i know how difficult it was to have a different name. I would like to adopt my step daughter not only because i love her but so she doesnt have to deal with the same things i had to. Where do we start?

Nothing seems to fit our need. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks!

[stephie82]

First I would like to congratulate you!!! I think it is wonderful that there are people like you who want to give children the chance to have a father. I like you have been trying to go through a step parent adoption. The bio father lives in PA and PA and FL can't decide who has jurisdiction. Finally, a PA lawyer told me to just file in FL and have a PA sheriff serve him the papers. She said to include with it an affidavit to allow him to give up his rights voluntarily. The only problem with filing in FL is that they do not have jurisdiction unless that father submits to it. Many do because they do not know this. A gardian ad litam is another option. This is a person who is appointed to the child to determine what is in the child's best interest. I am not too familiar with this concept but I do know it exists and it is free. I hope this helps you a little. One more suggestion is to subscribe to pre-paid legal services. It cost's less then 30 a month and they are a wealth of information. You speak with an actual Florida attorney and they can prove to be an invaluable resource.

[beccalina]

Were covering it honey!! We're getting there!! I love you!!