I have a question that needs answering so someone please help? I currently reside in North Carolina with my wife of now 4 years. When we married she had a daughter already. My question is this.....Her father is now out of the country living in Australia with his girlfriend he met online. He has not paid any child support in over 2 years, and we have not heard from him in over two years. He has no plans to come back to the states, and I want to know what I can do about adopting my stepdaughter? What time frames, or policies have I got to do, because we are absolutely exhausted from trying to get in touch with him. He used to have a cell phone that works, but now, he is totally out of contact. What can I do to addopt her without his permission, as my wife is behind me 100% with this and we just want it down, and close this chapter for everyone?

