Q: I have sole custody, what proof do I need to show of abandonment etc so my new spouse can adopt my children?
I was given sole custody, all divorce states is I have sole custody and respondent to pay X Amt of child support.No visitation was granted etc. Nothing has ever been paid, and he has not even had contact in nearly 3 years. He has had CF and CM arrests in the past few years (drug abuse)with deferred sentencing w probation so far on them. What burden of proof and how do I need to show he hasn’t been involved in anyway so that my spouse can adopt? If I have sole custody do I even need his consent?
A: If the biological father has not had substantial contact with the child in 12 months, you may be able to proceed with an adoption without the biological father's consent on the grounds of abandonment. Failure to pay child support and lack of interest in exercising visitation in this time can be some of the evidence you present in support of your request. This can be a complicated process and you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced attorney.
Melissa Webb agrees with this answer
1 user found this answer helpful
A: I agree with Mr. Lehr. In addition, moving forward with an adoption without the biological father’s consent on the basis of abandonment is a complex, fact-specific analysis and in some instances a Judge may even take into account (among many other factors) whether or not a birthday card was sent to the child. However, keep in mind your current spouse must meet certain qualifications for a step parent adoption to be approved, and you must have been married for one (1) year. In addition, if the child is older than twelve (12), they must also consent to the adoption. Luckily, a step-parent adoption does not require a home study under Oklahoma law. I certainly recommend you consult an adoption attorney.
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.
