Terminating Parental Rights and Step-Parent Adoption

[Yellow38]

My question involves adoption law for the State of: Tennessee

I have an 8yr old and a 3 yr old by a previous marriage. My Ex has not seen my kids in 3 1/2 years. He has not called in that long either. Both children call my husband now daddy. He has been in their lives since birth of 3 year old. My husband would like to adopt my children we also have 2 children together. Though my ex has not had contact with the kids he does pay child support. The divorce happened in Tennessee. He no longer lives in Tennessee, but it is his home of record. He is in the military. My husband now is in the military also we live in Idaho, but our home of record is Texas. Is there anyway I can terminate parental rights without his consent so that my husband can adopt the kids and what state would I do this in.
Any advice would help please.
Thank you.

[Dogmatique]

You will need an attorney.

Paying child support is often considered "contact", and hence abandonment cannot be used as a reason to involuntarily terminate Dad's rights.

Speak with local counsel immediately - this will NOT be a DIY project.

Also, please make sure both of your kids know who their Dad actually is