Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Adopting former Step-Son

My ex-wife and I had an amicable divorce. We had one child together whom we share custody of but she had a son (my former stepson) from a previous relationship. For all intents and purposes, I have raised my former stepson and he continues to live with me 6 nights a week with his brother (my biological son). I am no remarried and have the financial means to take care of my former stepson but am not legally obligated to and am not legally able to put him on my insurance or to make decisions involving his future. Is it possible for me to adopt him and share custody with his mother (these are her wishes, as well)? His father continues to have child support taken from his pay even though he is years behind but he has not seen my former stepson in about 6 years and has made no effort to, either. In fact, he would probably give up his parental rights if asked.


Asked on 5/11/09, 5:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Adopting former Step-Son

He will have to agree to terminate the parental relationship before you will be able to get a court to approve the adoption (in addition to all the other hoops that any adoptive parent has to go through).

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Answered on 5/16/09, 1:00 am


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