Q: How does my bf go about adopting my daughter? Can rights be taken from her dad if he doesn't even have rights?
My daughter is 3 years old and her father has never put forth any effort to be in her life. Long story short the guy Ive dated has been in her life since she was born. She views him as her dad. He has been the only dad she has known. Her dad pays child support but hasnt been legitimized. He doesnt show any interest in being in her life yet wont sign anything to give away his rights.
A: Your premise is incorrect: the biological father DOES have rights, albeit not exercised, unless his rights have been judicially terminated (by a "termination of parental rights"). Adoption can be complicated. See an attorney.
A: And of course Ms. Rice is correct: if your boyfriend wants to adopt her he will have to first marry you.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
