Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia
Terminating parental rights and adoption
My current husband and I want to take my ex to court and have his rights terminated so my husband can adopt my daughter. My ex has paid 6 partial support payments in 3 years (the state of TX tracks him and takes money) and I don't even know where he is, except in the state of IL somewhere. Can we have his rights terminated invoulntarily? My daughter couldn't pick him out of a line up. My husband is the only Daddy she knows. Thanks!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Terminating parental rights and adoption
You can achieve this by filing for a stepparent adoption under Va. Code sec. 63.2-1241. You will have to give notice to the father, either by service or by order of publication as provided in the law. If the adoption petition of the stepfather is granted, the natural father's rights will be terminated under sec. 63.2-1215.
Good luck.