Legal Question in Family Law in Alabama
father signing away his right to child
What process do I need to go through to have a father's rights terminated to his daughter. He is willing to sign. He does not pay child support, nor has he ever been asked to. I plan to marry and my husband wants to adopt my child. Will both men have to be in court at the same time for the new husband to be able to adopt my daughter. I would prefer that these two never meet. My daughter's father has never seen her since birth and has made no effort to, I just want his name off of the birth certificate.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Adoption with the Consent of Parent
I strongly recommend that you seek the advice of local counsel. Adoption proceeding vary from each jurisdiction. However, if the father consents to the adoption I believe he will not have to appear at the hearing, but he will have to be notified of the date. If he consents that would be fine. However, local counsel could more effective advise you. I suggest you wait until you are married before you proceed with the adoption.
Consent to adoption
Although the law of your state may differ, the father will probably beable to terminate his rights by signing the correct form before a notarypublic and having you present it to a judge.