[revrenhex]

My wife and I got married in early April of this year. She has a daughter from a previous relationship that i have helped raise since birth (now 2). My wife and the father of the child went to court and settled it by him signing an agreement that states after my wife and I get married, i would adopt Faith (daughter) so that he would be relieved of his parental rights and obligations (wants nothign to do with the child). The judge agreed and Kristi and I got married and now dont know what to do? What is the next step, who do we contact? Any help would be appreciated. We live in Missouri.

Thanks,

Cliff Harris

[HappyMomAnna]

You need to find an adoption attorney and have him make and 'adoption petition' once the adoption petition is submitted and approved then the courts can finalize it.... You might want to contact a legal aid or para legal and ask if your state allows the petition to be written up by you--this could save some $$.

The birth certificate cannot be changed and you will not be the legal parent until the court finalizes the adoption.

[Magz77]

My husband adopted my daughter in 2001. We contacted our attorney who drew up all the papers for us. Really he handled it all. All we had to do was show up.

I didn't have any contact at all with the birth father so we had to take out ads in newspapers and the sheriff had to attempt to deliver the papers several times before we found him. This held up the process slightly but total time I think was 6 months or so.

I'm very happy for you and your wife that you are willing to take this step. Faith is a very lucky little girl! Good luck!