Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Re: how to adopt my step daughter and change her name

You can file a petition but the court is unlikely to take away the father's parental rights over his objection unless there's some evidence that he's abusing or harming the child. You should consult an experienced family law attorney who has handled contested adoptions before. Of course, if the father consents, that's a different story. Is he under a child support order and if so, would the opportunity to escape that obligation be incentive for him to waive his parental rights?

Re: how to adopt my step daughter and change her name

You may petition the court for termination of his parental rights. If the court does indeed terminate his parental rights then you can then start the adoption proceedings. Courts can terminate the parental rights if the bio dad has abandoned the child. I would have to discuss with you the full extent of his historical involvement with his daughter to really determine whether you have a good case to terminate his parental rights. Please do not hesitate to call me if you would like to discuss the specifics of your case.