Paterson, NJ asked in Family Law for New Jersey

Q: Daughter is 11yo, her "father" hasn't done anything for her since 2yo. What is the easiest way to term his rights?

He and I were never married.

He has a criminal past which he hid details from me for a long time(Sex assault of a minor) and also does hard drugs. She has no relationship with him. He hasn't been on child support since she was about 2yo. My husband of 6 yrs wants to adopt her also. My current husband and I have no criminal past.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Michael Andrew Conte
Michael Andrew Conte
Answered
  • Princeton, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: You should seek a consultation with an attorney who has experience with contested adoption cases. The biological father has parental rights, although he has not exercised them. He will either have to waive his rights in the proceeding, or it was move forward as a contested proceeding. If contested, the Court may assign a guardian ad litem for the child and an attorney for the biological father.

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