My husband's ex-wife is a terrible "mother" to her daughter (whom we have full-time, and have ever since I met my husband...). She has not seen her daughter since 2001 and has not even called to talk to her for almost 2 years now. She has missed Christmases, birthdays, and all other "special days," not just talking about a gift - not even a card or a phone call. She is behind in child support over 15 thousand dollars - and we don't go after her because we don't want anything to do with her. I'd like to adopt this daughter (her dad and I will soon be married 5 years...and we have also had 2 children of our own...), but I am worried the biological mom will attempt to stop/block this - even though she is the crappiest excuse for a mom I've ever seen. Neither my husband or I badmouth this mom, when our daughter asks we just say we really don't know why this mom doesn't keep in touch. Could I possibly adopt the daughter without her approval? Any suggestions? Thanks!
2006-09-13 06:53:30 · 4 answers · asked by applebetty34 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
yes, you can adopt without her "approval". Every state might be different, but there is a way to adopt a child, PROVIDED the biological parent has had no contact and or involvement with the child for at least six months. It's called an Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights. That's the first step. It's fairly easy to do, but you will need to contact an attorney. Provided you know the address of the childs mother, she will get notice of the proposed termination. If she wants to be a ***** she'll show up in court, yada yada.... but at least you'll have a hearing. (try including that if her rights are terminated, she's no longer responsible for child support) Once her rights are terminated you can immediately file for adoption. Speak with an attorney, you really need to on this type of adoption. Good luck
2006-09-13 07:01:57 · answer #1 · answered by rachael 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure you can. You need to contact a lawyer and document as much as possible, if at all. 2001 to 2006 is 5 years, so I am not sure if this is considered abandment of child, legally. But I am sure the crappy mom wont have a problem, I think the 15,000.00 debt would go away as well. She would enjoy that. By the way, this world would be so much better with more people with your mentallity. Any other person would not care about thier stepchild. I am happy to hear that your step child is in great hands!
2006-09-13 14:00:29 · answer #2 · answered by Photographer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not sure about your state but here in south carolina if a parent goes 6 months without seeing that child they lose their parental rights, from the way this woman sounds i really don't think you have a problem if she loved her and wonted her she would have been there for her the same situation happened with me and my step daughter except she was 14 at the time its been 7 yrs since she saw my step daughter who is 21 now they have nothing to do with each other and my step daughter has her own place now and a job and she is a great daughter she has called me mom since day one ,let me say this to you i admire you so much for your love and concern for this little girl you are truly a good mom and a wonderful person
2006-09-13 14:06:06 · answer #3 · answered by sclady62001p 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think only a lawyer can answer that question. I think it may make a differnence with the age of the child in question. Good luck, you sound like a caring step-parent.
2006-09-13 13:57:03 · answer #4 · answered by Kayt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋