My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Texas
My daughter was born in 2002. I was 17. At the time, her father was in jail- his story is he was caught stealing tires off a car? I have no idea the real reason; I was young and stupid. My mother and I got him to sign papers to appoint my mother and I joint conservators, in the papers he did agree he is the father. The reason for the conservatorship with my mother was so my daughter could be on her insurance.
My ex has only seen our daughter once in December of 2002. He has not expressed any interest in her well being or support. In fact, I don't even know where he is now.
I married in 2006 to a military man. We are now in process of moving to Alaska. We are needing to obtain passports which have proven difficult since her father is not around and he has to sign a paper? My daughter's father is not on her birth certificate.
Now here are my questions I am so sorry there are so many:
1. Can we file abandonment? How do we go about that, and how long does it take?
2. What about step parent adoption?
3. Is there a way around this passport craziness?
Any help or points in the right direction will be so much appreciated.

