My question involves adoption law for the State of: Mississippi
My daughter who is almost 14 years old asked her stepfather of 10 years to adopt her and change her last name to his.
Her bio-dad and I share custody with me having primary and he has visitation rights but her bio-dad has been in an out of trouble for the last 12 years. He got out of prison early about a year ago for a long list of felonies, one being manufacturing drugs. He was an addict and a dealer of meth. Well he has had little to no contact with her for over 4 or 5 years. Honestly even before that he was not very involved. She is old enough to see it for herself now. She does not go with him on the weekends or anytime. He doesn't fight it. He is drinking heavily and popping pills now that I know of and we suspect using meth again. His mother pays his child support for him but it is the same amount it was when she was one. I have not taken him to court for anything. My husband would love to adopt but we do not know what the easiest way would be and what steps to take.
Also, if she asks her bio-dad to allow this and he refuses, do we have any chance of getting this done. He is unstable. He doesn't call and never comes by unless it is her birthday or Christmas. He showed up at our home unexpectedly about 2 months ago and texted my cell saying,"Send "her name" outside. By herself" Of course I freaked out. What was he going to do. She was not home and he finally left but sat at the end of our street for 20 mins or so. It was disturbing. I am worried. Please help us with our rights. Thank you.

