Hello everyone...
My issue is a bit complicated so I'm going to bullet point it to keep it short and easy to reply to.
- Had relationship with my son's biological father (SBF) @ 16yrs old (he's 10 yrs my senior) while he was an athletic coach at my high school.
- SBF has a 10 yr criminal history including drugs and domestic violence
- SBF hasn't seen my son after about 4 months old
- I sued for full legal and physical custody...judge awarded joint legal and physical even though SBF never showed up to court mandated mediation or to the actual hearing date
- Order gives no directives on visitation, moving out of state/country, or child support
- SBF never gave me a contact number or address
- I've lived at the same address for over 3 years (the address was printed on the court documents)
- No emotional or financial support for my son (save the $40 he gave me one time over 5 years ago)
- SBF has at least 2 other children w/ 2 separate mothers...both with support orders out against him
- For 5 years I've been the sole parent raising my son
- I'm moving out of state w/ my fiance (getting married in August) to Austin
- We would like to initiate a step-parent adoption and terminate SBFs parental rights under terms of abandonment
Questions:
- What have been your experiences w/ step-parent adoptions in Austin (we are in Williamson County - but anywhere in TX would be helpful)?
- Has anyone had to deal w/ a change in jurisdiction like we will (California to TX)? Experiences?
- Any recommendations for a good family law attorney specializing in step-parent adoptions or move-aways/change of jurisdiction? I'm looking for someone that is compassionate and knowledgeable of my type of situation.
- Any advice or comments are much appreciated
I'd like to thank everyone in advance for reading this and any help you can provide.

