Adoption

questions & answers

Question: How soon can a step parent adopt step children if the biological father has been completely absent the children's entire life?

Answer: Has the biological father relinquished his parental rights or have they been legally terminated?  Those steps are required before the child can be adopted.  If not, several questions arise.  Would the father be willing to relinquish his rights without  going to court?  Is he paying child support?  You would be well served to sit down with an attorney and explore your options.  There are three programs in Arizona that you can use to get inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the modest means program.  You will need to apply for the program and meet the financial qualifications.  Once you are qualified, Modest Means will send you a list of attorneys whose practice covers your area of concern.  You select a lawyer from the list and will be entitled to a one hour consultation for $75.  If you need additional help and if the lawyer agrees to take your case, the most you will be charged is  $75 per  hour.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341.  Both Maricopa and Pima Counties have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers its 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney for $40.  The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute attorney consult for $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.