Legal Question in Family Law in California

My son is 17 and wishes to be adopted by my resent husband. On his birth certificate it states father unknown. I'm not sure how this process goes and if it's the right avenue to take. I also concidered just a name change. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. My son is joinin the marines and would like to have a name he is proud of. Thank you. Ty


Asked on 1/08/10, 8:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

It is a common and honorable thing for a stepfather to adopt his stepchild when the biological father is not in the child's life. It is a fairly simple process if you just follow the steps required. Your local county court should have a family law facilitator or self help clinic that can help you with the process if you want to do it yourself, and of course you can hire an attorney to help you with it. It is such a simple process that any reputable attorney will not charge you too much for it. As for adoption versus name change, there are many advantages to adoption versus name change. Your son will acquire many legal rights through adoption that he would not have with just a name change.

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Answered on 1/13/10, 10:32 am


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