Asked in Adoption for Arkansas

Q: My sons biological father isn’t on the birth certificate. Can my husband adopt him without his consent?

My son is 3 years old. My husband has been in my sons life since he was 9 months old. My sons biological father isn’t on the birth certificate, I have never received child support and we haven’t heard or seen him in over 2 years.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James E Hensley Jr
James E Hensley Jr
Answered
  • Family Law Lawyer
  • Conway, AR
  • Licensed in Arkansas

A: In Arkansas you will need the consent of the bio dad. Since he has not been in the child’s life and if his absence is voluntary then the court would most-likely hold that his consent is being withheld unreasonably and your husband should be able to adopt.

Make sure your husband has no felony record. There are some notice requirements and a few other things. Costs will be around $5,000

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