Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania
Child 'divorcing' father
My son, almost 14, wishes for his stepfather to adopt him. He hased his biological father if he would sign a consent form, his father refuses. My former husband does not pay child support, and had never traveled the 300 miles to see him. My son does not wish to visit with his father. My hysband and son have gotten very close since we married 2.5 years ago. My husband wants to adopt my son. Is there anyway we can have this adoption go through without the natural father's consent? Can a child divorce a parent to be adopted by another?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Child 'divorcing' father
You may be able to have the courts terminate the father's parental rights. Not paying child support is not the sole factor, the courts look if the parent has supported the child, emotionally as well as financially. To do this, you will need an attorney. Once, the parental rights are terminated then the step father may adopt him through the court system.