Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

Step parent adoption

My daughter is 11. Her bio father , whose name is NOT on the birth certificate, has not been in touch with her or me since she was 1 yrs old. She was born in IL. and this is where he resides still.HE has NEVER paid child support or been ordered to. My husband wants to adopt her and change her last name (she has my maiden name) since he has been her dad since she was 15 months old. She wants her name changed as well. In the early part of her life I was on state aid in IL and here in MI and do not want my husband to be held liable for these cost. 1.)Is there a way to have this done without contacting him? 2.)Do we have to go through court proceedings for her to legally be my husbands's daughter? 3.)IS THERE AN EASY WAY to do this without spending a huge amount of money? 4.)We would like to do this as a Christmas present for her, can we do it by then. Any help with these questions or any other information offered is greatly apperciated.


Asked on 9/13/05, 2:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Step parent adoption

The father has to be notified. If you somehow fudged it, the whole adoption could be in jeopardy. I'd approach him with the deal that he is let off the hook for all potential economic ramifications if he consents to the adoption. If he says no, chances are the adoption is dead. Costs don't have to be exhorbitant but it is important so do it right. William S. Stern 248-353-9400

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Answered on 9/13/05, 8:18 pm


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