[m&m1421]

To make this short as possible - I have a 4 almost 5 year old. We left his father when he was two months (due to abuse). That was June of 2001. He left the state (GA) around Oct. 2001. We have not heard from him since Dec. 2001. Our divorce (which he was not there for) was final in July 2002. He paid child support from July 2002 to March 2003. He quit his job in TX and I have no idea where he is. I have since remarried and my current husband has been apart of my son’s life the whole time since I separated from his father. My current husband would like to adopt my son, as would I. He is the only father my son knows. We unfortunately do not have the money to hire a lawyer - due to the fact I am now paying off the lawyer from the divorce on what my ex husband was ordered to pay by the court. So we are trying to find out how to do a step parent adoption on our own - but I am clueless as to how. I have been told that all I have to do is list the adoption in his county paper for thirty days - but I am not sure where he is. Then there was something about a Petition of Public Notification for Adoption but I can not find any kind of form I am suppose to fill out. I don't know, I am lost and confused as to what I am suppose to do!!! Could someone please direct me in the right way? I would like to get this taking care of as soon as possible. If something was to ever happen to me - my son would not only loss me but he would loss his father too - the only man he knows and loves dearly. Please Please if anyone knows what I can do to make them father and son for life - please let me know.

[jsimon]

My best advice is to go to your local library and look up books about step parent adoption. I know this isn't much help but I don't know the laws in GA. I found a book for California called "Do Your Own California Adoption, Nolo's Guide for Stepparents & Domestic Partners" Maybe Nolo makes a book for GA. Don't lose hope you can do this on your own. I wanted to do ours on our own but it will most likely be contested, I don't want to deal with that without an attorney. Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes.

[tgage]

I would agree on the research at a library - but check out a law library and you'll find more of what you're looking for.

The basic steps in step-parent adoption are:

1. File the Petition
2. Notify everyone who needs to be notified of the pending adoption - sometimes this is by notification (ad in paper).
3. If not contested, schedule the hearing.
4. Attend the hearing - walk away with the decree.

You'll need to check your states laws on who needs to be notified and how - that's where you'll find specifics on doing a notification by publication.

Tim

[m&m1421]

Thank you for the help!! Do you happen to know who is to file the petition? The stepfather or myself (the mother)? The laws are just so confusing.

[tgage]

Originally Posted by m&m1421

Thank you for the help!! Do you happen to know who is to file the petition? The stepfather or myself (the mother)? The laws are just so confusing.

Most often, the person who's going to be the new father/mother files the petition. Of course, the person who already is the mother/father and is married to the new father/mother has to give their permission.

Reading and understanding the law is important. It can seem to be confusing, but it's just very detailed, but very systematic. Work with it, ready slowly, highlight important parts, etc...

Tim

[stepadoptionblog]

You as the biological parent will have to sign a form giving your permission for your husband to adopt. Your husband should file the petition to adopt, but you will need to do the work for the public notice first. If you do not know his whereabouts you may just have to post it in your county for thirty days. The best route for you to take is to call the Clerk of courts in your county and ask them what you need. They can help you out and let you know where to obtain the forms.

You will need a certified copy of a birth certificate of you, your son, and your husband. Because you do not know where your ex is, you adoption will take a little longer due to the thirty day notice, but after that you will have a smooth ride!

Julie

http://stepparent.adoptionblogs.com/