My question involves adoption law for the State of: Florida
I have a 9 year old daughter, and have been married to her step dad for just under 4 years. She has not seen nor heard from her bio father since 11/2006, and has not recieved any support payments since 9/2008, and even then the payments were spuratic at best. My husband and I would love for him to adopt her, he has been her "dad" since she was 5, when her bio dad checked out. What are the laws around step parent adoption? At this point, could his lack of communication be considered abandonment? He is far from rational, and even with no contact for nearly 5 years, if the mood was right he would fight it. Can anyone help wage the risk involved? Could our case hold up in court? He is a known drug user, can not hold a job, and often times does not have a place to live(of his own). At least, this was his live as I knew it 5 years ago. He lives locally, although, we have not heard from him in years. Unltimatly, we want what is best for our daughter, and that may mean holding off on the adoption until she is of the age to sign off on it herself. I feel it would be devestating for her if she had visitation with him again, only to be left again, which is sure to happen. She is a thriving young lady in her current enviroment, and would never jepordize that for a name change and paperwork, considering in a couple years she can sign for herself.
Any advice would be appreciated.

