More details to this question:
My Fiancé has had sole legal custody and sole decision making of her daughter for 14 years. Absolutely no contact from biological father. The divorce decree was issued in Colorado. We live in NYC and are to be wed soon. I have been 'dad' for nine years and would like to adopt her daughter, 14. The daughter would also like to change her last name to mine. What is the process for this, we have no idea how to contact biodad or where ehe is
1 ANSWER
Property Disputes Transactions Attorney serving Lake Success, NY
Partner at
Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP
3 Awards
Good morning,
With respect to adoption, generally speaking you are required to obtain the consent of the biological parents. However, in a situation where the biological parent failed to maintain substantial and continuous contact with the child, consent may not be required. Nonetheless, it is advised that you do some due diligence to locate the biological parent and seek his or her consent. Thereafter, you have to file a petitition in family court.
A name change is a separate petition that you would want to undertake after the adoption is complete.
Answered on Feb 03rd, 2025 at 5:44 AM