Can I adopt my new wife’s daughter?
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Can I adopt my new wife’s daughter?
I am getting married to a woman who has a 5 year old girl. I’ve been around the 5 year old for 2.5 years and I am the closest thing she has to a dad. Her real dad lives in another support and has not been paying child support nor has he been in contact with the daughter. Is it possible for me to adopt the daughter even if he tries to fight it in court?
Asked on March 19, 2012 under Family Law, New York
Answers:
david slater / david p.slater, esq.
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unless his rights as a parent have been removed via court order, you will need his consent to adopt.
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