Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
Step Daughter Adoption - Biological Father Sex Offender
How do I adopt my step-daughter? She is 15 and I have been married to her mother and raising her since she was 3. Her biological father has had no contact with her and recently got out of prison and is a registered sex offfender. Can the adoption take place without him relinquishing his parental rights and if so could he ever try to step back into the picture later? Does he have any legal leg for parental rights and/or visitation?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Step Daughter Adoption - Biological Father Sex Offender
It is very difficult to accomplish this without an attorney. The bio father has to be notified, and his parental rights have to be terminated. If done correctly, and successfully, then he cannot interfere later. Once the child turns 18 he can contact her if not barred by his parole. She then would choose whether or not to allow the contact.