Forcing Termination of Father's Rights

[teonspaleprincess]

My son is 6. He has never seen his real father and he has never paid support. My boyfriend, who has acted as his father since he was 1 month old, wants to legally adopt him and have his name put on the birth certificate. Is there a way to force his bio dad to give up rights? Do I have to have a lawyer?

[jk]

yes there is (in some situations) and an attorney would be a very good idea.

[aaron]

Note, laws are different in each state.

[lwpat]

I doubt that they will allow your "boyfriend" to adopt him unless the two of you are married. I would do that first.