daughter's dad had no contact for 4 years...

[riversongismyhero]

my daughter is 7 and hasn't seen her biological dad for 4 years but considers my partner as her real dad. He hasnt paid any maintenance at all but she does still see his parents as it was only him who didnt want contact. The older she gets the more worried i am about what would happen if i was in an accident? Would she be sent to live with a man she doesnt know just because hes on her birth certificate? Would it make a difference if i was married to my new partner? Or if my ex relinquished his parental rights?

Hi, I've been in a similar position but without a new dp.

You'd need to check with a solicitor but your dp or your dd's fathers parents could take on the parental responsibilities. I think if you can prove he's had no contact for a certain time it helps.

One option is having your dp "adopt" your dd but you'd need to think carefully about that and other options.

Another option is your or your ex's parents being guardians in the case of something happening to you, whereby they assume your role.

To be honest my ex's parents have done nothing wrong but aren't able to raise my dd if anything were to happen to me, his mums disabled and his dads her carer.

Im considering asking him to relinquish his rights because aside from the issue of my possible death (cheery post huh?) i also dont really want him showing up in another 5 years and confusing her. I know it sounds awful but aside from biology hes never provided her with anything positive and her life is not lacking anything with him removed.

I'd go and speak to a solicitor, they usually give the first half hour/initial meeting for free and they can contact him for you.

it isn't a cheery subject but it is a responsible one, like you say, she wouldn't know him. If he doesn't want pr it'd be wise to have alternative arrangements.

I made a will stating my wishes should anything happen, you can ask your parents to be legal guardians and carry out your wishes. This also helps if you were ill, they could attend school stuff etc.

Thats great thank you i was a bit worried about costs too. I think i should do a will as well tbh.