Q: Do I need my child's biological dad's consent for my husband to adopt her? Do I have to terminate his rights?
He isn't on the birth certificate.
He hasn't established paternity.
She is almost 3.
Hes not developed a relationship with her.
He left when i was pregnant.
He hasn't supported her.
He has met her, but only through his grandparents and I had no knowledge.
He has never had custody.
Do I need to terminate his rights or can I proceed without his consent ? In Florida
A: There is statutory provision for an adoption without the father's consent, but he probably would have to be notified of the adoption petition. It may also be necessary to do paternity testing so that the court is convinced that he is indeed the biological father. I suggest you get an attorney to advise you in more detail.
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.