the adoption of a stepchild

[freya2002]

hi my husband of 8 years wants to adopt my daughter (15) she also wants it greatly as she was brought up with him always being around and he is also the father of her 2 younger step sisters. her father who I was not married to during her birth has not attempted to make contact with her for over a year but still has signed parental rights over the child, we want to go ahead but he will refuse to let it happen. what do I do.

I'm sorry to day they will contact him and unless he gives his consent there will be a long drawn out investigation. There is something where the birth parent can lose parental rights even if they don't agree if they don't contact their child for a prolonged period but I think it's 5 years or there abouts.
I would ring your local authority and ask them where they stand on a case like this, unfortunately I don't think it would go very smoothly but given your DD wants this they might see what they can do to bypass bio father.
Hope this helps xx

If it’s only been a year since last contact then courts will not allow an adoption without the fathers consent. Could you look at applying for PR for your partner as a compromise if he does say no?

He may very well refuse but they will not deny the adoption because of that. The courts will always look at and make their decision on what is best for your daughter. Good luck x

If your partner does adopt then your ex will lose all parental rights x