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Hi,

I would like for my boyfriend to adopt my 2 year old little girl. Her father and I were never married, have never been to court, and he has no visition or cs orders.

Do we still need his permission before my bf can adopt my little girl?

Many thanks :)

You'll have a problem if the father's name is on the birth certificate. If not, there's no other record and he hasn't had anything to do with the child, adoption shouldn't be a problem.

I'm assuming you intend to marry this boyfriend, though.

Kimmatique:

Bad, bad idea to have a boyfriend adopt your child. It's also not terribly likely since you aren't married, for the same reason it's a bad idea. There is no commitment, he could walk at any time. Though a spouse can walk at any time, a marriage at least supposedly shows and intention to stay together.

My husband adopted my child, and I handled it pro-se. Bio father did NOT give permission.

Here is the basic proces:
Go to local courhouse and pick up all the stepparent adoption paperwork (both WITH parental consent, and WITHOUT).

Prepare all paperwork.

Ask bio father to sign. If he does not sign, you will have to get court date set and then have him served.

During all this, you, your husband, and child will meet with a GAL. This person will give their recommendation to the court as to whether or not it is in the best interest of the CHILD ONLY.

Assuming bio parent does not sign, all parties and the GAL will appear in court. No bio parent, you win on default. Bio parent shows up to contest: trial date set.

It is a very long process, and if I recall correctly I think it ran somewhere between 400 and 700 when it was all said and done. And that was pro-se, so that's just filing, GAl, and court fees.

Remember: though pro se is cheaper, you will need to sit and wait (sometimes hours) for a judge to be available for signatures on your paperwork leading up to your hearing. (One begins to understand how atty's rack up so many hours!!!)