Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Stepfather Desires to Adopt

Biological father of 2yo child has waived parental rights; no name on birth certificate. Stepfather desires to adopt. Can stepfather legally have child's mother place his own name on child's birth certificate? Can stepfather legally change child's surname to his own for the $15 Texas statename-change fee? There is no money for lawyers or adoption fees.

Thank you sincerely,

Mary


Asked on 10/25/06, 2:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: Stepfather Desires to Adopt

Changing the name on the birth certificate is not an adoption. Adoption is a legal process to obtain a court order establishing parental rights in the person of the new parent. If you want to do this, you should contact a lawyer and see if you can make a payment plan. I do that sort of thing all the time.

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Answered on 10/25/06, 3:24 pm


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