Morris, IL asked in Adoption and Family Law for Illinois

Q: How hard would it be for me to adopt my stepson if the bio mom hasn't had any contact in over 5 years?

This includes not paying court ordered child support. We've been together 8 years and married for 3. Do we need her consent?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer

A: You don't necessarily need her consent based on the facts you set forth, but it will be easier if you have her consent. Either way, you are required to provide her formal notice that you're attempting the adoption.

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.