Legal Question in Family Law in California
do you have to be married for your boyfriend to adopt your daughter.? her real father hasnt been in her life for 3 years and doesnt have anything to do with her.
1 Answer from Attorneys
For adoptions it is best to contact the biological father and request that their parental rights terminate via an addoption. If they consent then it would not be difficult to petition the court to grant the adoption via consent. If they do not agree then it will be a contested battle and most likely it will be an uphill battle since the court does not terminate parental rights so easily. If they have been absent for 3 years that is a substantial period of time, but the court will give them due process to state their case and provide them with reunification if they desire.
For self represented individuals you can consult with the family law facilitator self help center at your local court house.
As always please consult a local attorney prior to taking legal action. Good luck. Also please check out my Santa Clara County Family Lawyer blog.
Law Offices James Chau
1625 The Alameda Suite 204
San Jose, CA. 95126
http://www.jameschaulaw.com/
http://sanjosefamilylawyer.blogspot.com/