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Adoption of One Partner's Child by an Unmarried Couple

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  • 02-27-2009, 05:04 PM
    motherhubberd
    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!
  • 03-03-2009, 07:06 PM
    Mr. Knowitall
    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.
  • 03-03-2009, 07:09 PM
    Baystategirl
    Re: Adoption of One Partner's Child by an Unmaried Couple
    Quote:

    Quoting Mr. Knowitall
    View Post
    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. ........
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