Step-Parent wanting to adopt help?

[HowDoYouExplainThis]

We have 2DC, 1 DC together and 1 older DC who isn't biologically DPs.

He wants to adopt DC1, been DC's father figure since 1. DC is now 5.

DC bio dad was violent, has had numerous warnings from police about harassment and stalking to me. He did start a court case, saw DC1 3 times (30mins tops) and then never again before DC was 18m. I have DC birth certificate with just me on it however he has claimed to re-registered to include his name since court granted PR.

Is it a straightforward thing to do? DC only knows one dad and that is DP, we're in the South East if that helps

There is a lot of info on the gov uk website if you put in step parent adop if that helps on the practical front. X

HowDo the assessment process is fairly straight forward. I have done them myself in the past as a social worker. The process involves interviews with you, your partner, the birth dad and children, depending on their ages. You'll need to provide references from people who know you well, undergo medicals and have police/probation/DBS checks done.

PM me if you want to discuss in more depth.

crisp I've messaged you, thank you