[Defiant_Angel]

My husband wants to adopt my 3 kids from a previous marriage. My kids' biological father owes over $13,000 in back child support and has not seen the kids in over 3 years. How do we go about the adoption process. The state of Missouri has the child support go through Child Support Enforcement but he still only pays when he wants to. He was investigated for sexual molestation of my oldest daughter but Missouri said it was gonna be her word against his although there was enough evidence to back up her story. They wanted to wait for the state of Arkansas to prosecute first but Arkansas has never done anything.

What do I do? My kids want nothing to do with their biological father ever again for the abuse he has caused them and myself.

Please help. Any advice is welcome.

[LegallyKim]

I am happy for your children that they have a father in their life that wants them (your husband).

I am not familiar with the laws in your State, but here you and your husband must file an adoption petition, and through this process, the childrens' father's rights can be terminated (with good cause) and your husband will be able to adopt them. No contact for 3 years would be grounds for terminating his rights, however in this State, any payment of child support is considered contact.

My advice is to go see an attorney and get the ball rolling. Your children will be so much better off, IMO, once that is done.

Hugs and good luck!

Kim