I want to adopt my stepson - need an attorney recommendation

[GilpinGuy]

I've had my stepson (Austin) in the house for 7 years now. His natural father is a complete deadbeat and hasn't once asked to see his own boy the entire time. Austin keeps asking when he'll have the same name as me, his mom and his new baby stepsister. It's time to do it and I'm ready. I love this kid!

Unfortunately, I expect the natural father to put up a fight, just because he's a giant douch-nozzle that will do anything to hurt or harass us. He was actually sentenced to 30 days in Adams County for his harassment years ago.

Anyway, any leads on a good attorney for this?

[RCCrawler]

I've got something going on and needed to get lawyer. I did a ton of research and all signs pointed to Todd Burnham, he is one of the best family lawyers out there. I have been very impressed so far with what he has done for us. He's has an office in Erie and one downtown, not sure where all he does work, my case is in Adams. As with anything though if you want the best it's expensive.

http://www.burnhamlaw.com

[sniper7]

PM sent

[mackbamf]

I have two boys from a previous marriage that I have had full time (full legal custody, full decision making, etc) for almost four years. I am the luckiest man as my wife has taken them on like they were her own children. The boys birth mother has been absent for most their lives. I know the challenges that are there at times with the step child/step parent relationship and I commend you for stepping up and taking on that role. I unfortunately do not have any attorneys to recommend, my ex was more concerned with money than her own children and I was lucky enough to be able to pay her off directly and she signed them over to me, but you have my sincere respect and wish you the best through the process. Good Luck!!

[MED]

I went through an extremely difficult custody case eight years ago. I won my case because Colorado is a shared parenting state that places a lot of weight on the rights of both parents. This worked in my favor, but it will work against you. I had an incredible attorney, but she wouldn't even take my case unless I promised to acknowledge the rights of the mother and only press for joint custody. I would send you her number, but she doesn't take these types of cases anymore. In the long run, my son did really well because his mom, step dad, and I worked out our differences. Even if the guy is a complete ass, he still has parenting rights and it is extremely difficult to force forfeiture of those rights. Along with an attorney, you will likely have to go through a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) as well as Austin will be interviewed by the CFI. I don't know if this guy has a child support judgement against him, but it is usually best to have him surrender his parental rights in exchange for absolving him of any Child Support debt or obligation. If the guy doesn't love the child, then money is usually a good motivator. If you can come to terms outside of court, it is in everybody's best interest. Definitely get a good attorney who has a lot of time in the court room on these types of cases, and who has a professional relationship with the CFI community. A good attorney will help with advice both inside and outside of the court room.

[GilpinGuy]

MED: Thanks for the advice. This guy claimed to have some mental disorder and got full SS disability. It's total bullshit, but anyone can get on disability these days with Obama at the helm. So, he's off the hook for child support. Before he was on disability - zero payments. And we aren't concerned about the money AT ALL anyway.

In the beginning, we had no problem with Austin visiting his dad. It's his friggin dad after all. He was granted visitation but never once asked to see his kid - in 7 years. No birthday or Christmas gifts. No going to basketball games, asking about his grades, etc., etc. It's like he never existed.

I read up on adoption a bit here lately and it seems that I could get full rights if he either "abandoned" the child for more than one year or didn't pay and child support for more than one year. Seems like a slam dunk for both, but I know that nothing is cut and dried in things like this. I just want this kid to feel like he's 100% a part of the family. He is of course, but he's at the age where he's asking questions, and want there to be no doubt in his mind.

[MED]

In the beginning, we had no problem with Austin visiting his dad. It's his friggin dad after all. He was granted visitation but never once asked to see his kid - in 7 years. No birthday or Christmas gifts. No going to basketball games, asking about his grades, etc., etc. It's like he never existed.

That is pretty bad to never show up for parenting time, I can't fathom rejecting a child like that; I wish you the best. My X (not my son's mom) deals with this everyday; I'll see if she can recommend somebody.

[Gman]

I don't know a damn thing about the legalities of this, nor can I recommend any attorneys, but what I will do is wish you all the best of luck. Hopes and prayers go out to you guys that you can make this happen for this youngster.

[GilpinGuy]

Thanks for the kind words and recommendations guy!

[newracer]

I don't know a damn thing about the legalities of this, nor can I recommend any attorneys, but what I will do is wish you all the best of luck. Hopes and prayers go out to you guys that you can make this happen for this youngster.

My sentiments exactly.