Q: Can stepparent adopt my child if I am not legitimized and haven't paid child support but have maintained regular contact
I have petitioned for legitimation around the time that adoption petition was served. My child is 10 years old and I was never married to custodial parent. Please advise.
A: You probably want to get an attorney for this situation. Is it possible? Maybe. I would need more facts before giving a true assessment. You have a complicated matter and representing yourself would not be wise.
A: The short answer, is yes, the adoption can be granted. 10 years of not paying any support could be considered abandonment. You need to hire an attorney in order to have an chance.
A: I agree with the other attorneys. The Court's going to want to know a lot about this difficult situation and you walking into the Courtroom and skipping down "babble street" is an almost certain trip to no-go.
A: It is quite possible that could happen. The court will need to determine what is in the child's best interest. If you waited ten years to legitimize your child, a court may determine that it is in the best interest of the child not to legitimize you.
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