can my partner adopt my daughter??

[charliebird]

my daughter is 3 and my partner has been with us since she was 10mnths old, we also have a 9mnth old child now. her real father has been in and out of prison but has parental responsibility although he certainly doesnt deserve it. can my partner adopt my child? we are marrying next year

[redcrx]

theres a lot of paperwork and checks involved by social services etc and also youd need the permission of the father.

Speak to a solicitor or perhaps your health visitor can give you details of who to contact.

[redcrx]

you could also call your local courts and ask for the forms and see if you could complete them yourselves.

[Mr Veritas]

Sadly,when it comes down to the wire,you DO need the permission of the natural Father.
Also sadly not knowing where he is does not wash with the courts.
Our Daughter's partner (of some 6 years) tried to do this,but as the natural Father refused permisson the court rejected it.
I am not saying this to be a wet blanket,but rahter to just put you in the picture.

[bednobs]

there are very few circumstances where it is considered in the childs best interest to have their natuaral parent "taken away" from them and then be "given" to a biological stranger, despite what the parents may want. This question has been asked and answered in the family section a couple of tims lately, so you might do well to look thruh there