Q: Can I adopt my stepdad as my legal father?
My bio dad died when I was 10, and I haven’t seen the dude for 5-6 years prior, he never paid child support. Mama remarried and I got stepdad, they had my brother, BUT he never legally adopted me. Mama died 2 yrs ago and I’m 38 now. I want my dad to be legally my dad, NOT for the estate purposes or money but because I love him and he is the only dad I know. My worry is as he is getting older, I don’t want him to ever feel that I won’t be allowed to speak on his behalf in medical situations or court or whatever life throws at him because he isn’t legally my dad. All these videos of stepdads becoming dads, I don’t get it. Can I surprise him with “adopting” him to be my father? Also, when w immigrated to the USA he was listed as my dad, would that make a difference? He was my dad on the ARMY paperwork when I served on active duty also… please, someone, explain to me if and how I can do anything about this situation. Dad cried that he is alone when mama died, my brother has his own family.
A:
The fact that your stepdad was listed as your dad on your immigration paperwork and your Army paperwork may make a difference in your adoption case. The judge may consider this evidence of your relationship with your stepdad and his intent to be your father figure.
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