Step-Father Adopting my Daughter

[CTFLORIDA]

I recently got married and i have a 2 1/2 year old daughter from a previous relationship. Her what i call "sperm donor" is in prison and has been since i was 6 weeks pregunant. I have taken her to see him there when she was first born about 10 times and then deciede i didnt want her to have that kind of life style. we have not seen or heard from him in over a year.... he will be in prison for another 3 years so she will be 6 years old when he gets out. And now that i have moved on with my life and have a great job and a great life and married, I would like my husband to adopt her.... My daughter knows my husband as her dad that is the only dad she knows and that i want her to know..... What can i do to start this adoption process in florida what do i need to do?

[Mr. Knowitall]

You would need to commence step-parent adoption proceedings. If the biological father will waive his parental rights, that shouldn't be particularly complicated. If not, you will have to convince a court to terminate his parental rights (which probably won't be too difficult if he's going to be in prison for the next three years).

[CTFLORIDA]

how do i go about a step parent adoption?

[Mr. Knowitall]

You check at the courthouse to see if they have any standard forms you can complete to commence a petition, or hire a lawyer and have the lawyer manage the process for you.