how does one adopt their spouses child?

      That is wonderful that your husband wants to adopt your daughter!  Even though the birth father is not part of your child's life, you want to make sure the step parent adoption is done properly.  To that end, the adoption is a two-part process.  First, the birth father's parental rights must be terminated.   You must serve him with the petition to terminate his parental rights and hopefully he will either agree or will not answer, in which case he can be defaulted.   Once his rights are terminated, then the step parent adoption can take place.  That part is relatively easy.  Although there are forms you can use that are available on the following website:  http://www.flcourts.org/resources-and-services/family-courts/family-law-self-help-information/family-law-forms.stml, sometimes it is a bit difficult to navigate all of the steps alone.  You can give it a try, but if you hit a wall, or simply do not have the time then I suggest you consult an attorney in your area to help you out.   Best of luck, and congratulations on having such a wonderful husband.      Cindy Vova Law office of Cindy S. Vova, P.A. 8551 West Sunrise Blvd., Suite 301 Plantation, FL 33322 info@vovalaw.com 954-316-3496