Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Stepparent Adoption

My husband and I have been married for almost 5 years. I have 3 kids from a previous relationship. All my kids have the same father; however his name is only on the 2 younger children�s birth certificates. My oldest has my maiden name.

My husband would like to adopt my kids.

My children�s dad and I were together for almost 7 years; we were never married.

After a few very stressful months and several arguments later; I asked he to move out�.that was more than 8 years ago. I tried to find him shortly afterwards to see if I could get an order for child support, but I was never able to find him. I tried again a few years later with the same results.

He hasn�t seen or spoken our children since he left. Nor has he sent any money, letters, birthday or Christmas cards, he has done literally nothing since he left. I have no idea where he is or where to being to start looking for him.

We don�t have a lot of money and I would appreciate any suggestions or any options.

Thanks in advance.


Asked on 9/22/08, 9:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Armstrong The Law Office of John W. Armstrong

Re: Stepparent Adoption

The option you have is to hire an attorney, and file a collaboration of Petition to Terminate Parental Rights and a petition for adoption. Without knowing where the father is, the court will appoint an attorney to reprsent him, that you will have to pay for, and the court will appoint an attorney to represent the children to advise the court whether the termination and adoption are in the best interest of the children. Again, you and your husband will have to pay the attorney for that representation also.

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Answered on 9/22/08, 10:31 pm


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