Q: We have raised our niece for 14 yrs she wants us to adopt her. Do we need her fathere consent we have custody of her
Her mother died when she was 6 weeks old and her father signed over custoday to us we told him he could see her whenever he wanted to, the first 6 month's he would see her then nothing until she was 1 after that he contacted me through face book at the age of 10. Another time at 12 and just this week and it is always close to her birthday. She don't want to see him. She will be 14 on the 19 of august. Do we need his consent? We live in Ohio
A: The father's consent would not be necessary if, within the one year preceding the filing of the petition for adoption, he has failed to provide more than minimal support for the child; OR, he has had no or minimal contact with the child. Assuming he objects to the adoption, these kinds of issues are addressed by the courts on a case by case basis. Consult an experienced adoption attorney in the jurisdiction in which you live. That attorney will be able to advise you as to the attitude of the court in which the petition would be filed.
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