Adopting My Step Daughter

[ThePenguin]

Hi All,

I am new to the site and I was hoping that somebody can give me some advice please - maybe you have already gone through this yourself?

My partner and I have been together for just over 4 years now, which has meant that I have known her daughter for the majority of her life. She is now 6.

She doesn't see her father. He walked out on my partner whilst she was pregnant and he makes little to no effort to see his daughter. He last saw her August 2018.

My partner and I do not deny access, he just chose not to bother, and barely pays any maintenance either. When he does pay its direct to my partner and its only pocket money. Having calculated last years money received from him, it would amount to less than £250 for the entire 12 months!

My step daughter doesn't really want to see him. Probably because she doesn't really know him, although she occasionally asks about him.

We've talked about looking at adoption and I personally have mixed feelings about it right now but I am swaying more into the idea.

From other peoples experience and knowledge of the law, what can we do. Could we apply to courts for adoption, or would we require his permission to adopt her, what is the legal process?

[dogtired]

Yes I had to adopt my own daughter! Had to do so through the family courts and had to have a social worker. Took almost a year but fairly painless. Had to find my ex to get his permission and get a new Birth Certificate for her. This was back in 1982 so not sure how things have changed
Her biological Dad got back in touch and she stil sees him and her half brothers.

[ThePenguin]

Yes I had to adopt my own daughter! Had to do so through the family courts and had to have a social worker. Took almost a year but fairly painless. Had to find my ex to get his permission and get a new Birth Certificate for her. This was back in 1982 so not sure how things have changed
Her biological Dad got back in touch and she stil sees him and her half brothers.

Thank you. I'd have no problem him being part of her life but he just seems disinterested. Seeing as he's only seen her once last year and has barely been in contact with her for 13-14 months now. We tried to see him a few months ago (adult to adult) to discuss all of this, We arrange a neutral time and place, and he never showed up. Said that he had to work late and couldn't make it!

I've pondered over it for last few months. She sees me as her dad anyways and I think it would add more stability into her life. My partner and I have our own child too and by adopting her I hope that it draws us closer together as a family.

I've just got to work out the legal bit.

[dogtired]

All the best, hope it goes smoothly for you.