Q: My ex and her daughter live with me. The daughter isn't my Biological child but i consider her my child so do they both
I would like to adopt or step I'm just not sure how to do it. Me and the mother are not romantically involved but we are best friends any help you could give would be great
A:
Adoption would be possible only if the child’s biological father’s rights have already been terminated, or if he is willing to forfeit his parental rights. If the child’s biological father intends to keep his parental rights, then the court will not grant those rights onto additional parties.
Additionally, becoming a step-parent is only possible when the child’s parent marries a new spouse. If you and your ex were never married, or do not intend to be, the step-parent/step-child relationship would not be possible. Even after a divorce, a step-parent wanting to continue legal guardianship may petition the court, however again, one of the parents would have to be unwilling or unable to care for and support the child.
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