Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

Adoption law in Illinois

My 4 yr. old son's biological father has never seen him and is not on the birth certificate. He is aware of his existence, but made a choice to not be involved. We have not spoken since the birth and I do not know where he is. My boyfriend of 3 years wishes to adopt him. This is the only Dad my son has ever known. Do we have to be married to begin the adoption process? If so, then what steps after that are required. Thanks.


Asked on 8/30/08, 11:21 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: Adoption law in Illinois

Yes, you must be married to the man who wants to adopt your son. The first thing you must do is to give notice to the biological father of the adoption. There are ways of doing this, even if you don't know where he is. He has to consent to the adoption, or default by not answering at all. My advice is to hire an attorney. This can be complicated.

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Answered on 9/02/08, 11:38 am


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