Adoption of One Partner's Child by an Unmarried Couple
My question involves adoption law for the State of: Washington
I live with a man I call husband but we are not legally married. He and I would like him to adopt my daughter her bio-father has not been around since she was 1 (she is 7 now). The court took away his right to visit when he did not show up for the custody court date.
My 'husband' is terminally ill, he was diagnosed 4 years ago with only 6-8 months to live. Well he beat that :) we would like before he is gone, for him to legally be her dad. So I am hoping we can do this with some haste, before it is too late.
Can he adopt her even though we are not married?
I am also curious but it does not truly matter, if my daughter is adopted by my 'husband' will her bio-father still have to pay child support (might be an intensive for him to sign the adoption papers)
(I had told the state I did not want them to collect child support but they said that was not up to me and that they would peruse him for child support and send me a check every month.)
Will he have to sign the adoption papers?
Can we do this without lawyers?
THANK YOU!
Re: Adoption of One Partner's Child by an Unmaried Couple
It's possible for any legal adult to adopt in Washington state. But given the family circumstances and time frame you describe, I suggest hiring a lawyer to advise and assist you. Or get married first.
If you cannot get your ex- to consent to adoption, you will need to convince a court to terminate his parental rights. I think that will be very difficult under the facts you describe.
Re: Adoption of One Partner's Child by an Unmaried Couple
Quote:
Quoting
Mr. Knowitall
It's possible for any legal adult to adopt in Washington state. But given the family circumstances and time frame you describe, I suggest hiring a lawyer to advise and assist you. Or get married first.
If you cannot get your ex- to consent to adoption, you will need to convince a court to terminate his parental rights. I think that will be very difficult under the facts you describe.
Agreed. ........