Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

Need step-parent adoption information

Hi, I have a 3 yr old daughter and have married a wonderful man, who would like to adopt her. The problem is, that her ''donor dad'' will not sign off. He hasn't been allowed to see her, has only seen her a handful of times, due to a court order that he is and has not abided by. He was ordered, in jan 02, to take parenting classes, alternatives to violence and see a psychotherapist, before he can have any type of visitation, which he hasn't ever done even one small part of it. I have sole legal/physical custody. However, he won't sign off in an effort to ''ruin my life'', and he does pay support on and off, in fear of jail time. Please help me! Is there any thing I can do, I feel like he is going to win...and be allowed to walk in and out of my daughters life whenever he choses! And my husband loves and cares for her everyday....he deserves to be her Daddy LEGALLY!


Asked on 7/09/04, 2:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Blake Lipman Law Office of Blake P. Lipman

Re: Need step-parent adoption information

If paternity has been established with "donor dad," and it appears it has, you cannot unilaterally terminate his parental rights. In order for your new husband to adopt your daughter, "donor dad" would have to relinquish his rights. If he prefers not to pay child support, perhaps you can offer him a deal, if he relinquishes his parental rights and consents to the adoption, he no longer will be required to pay support to your daughter. For more info., please contact me at (248)851-3171.

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Answered on 7/13/04, 1:15 pm


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