Yes—You Can Adopt Your Stepchild Without the Father's Consent
When a biological father has walked away from his child, the law provides a path forward. Learn how stepparent adoption works when consent isn't an option—and how we help families like yours complete the process for just $349.
The Reality: Most Stepparent Adoptions Happen Without the Other Parent's Consent
If you've been raising your stepchild while their biological father remains absent, you're not alone. More than 80% of the 34,000+ adoptions we've helped families complete were finalized without the biological parent's consent.
Every state recognizes that when a parent abandons their child—whether by choice, disinterest, or disappearance—the child's need for a stable, legal family takes priority over that parent's rights. Courts routinely approve stepparent adoptions when the evidence shows a pattern of abandonment.
You're Already the Parent—We Help Make It Legal
You've already been doing the work of a parent: attending school events, handling medical decisions, providing financial support, and showing up every single day. Stepparent adoption gives you the legal recognition you deserve and provides your child with the security of a permanent family bond.
When Courts Allow Adoption Without Father's Consent
State laws provide several legal grounds for proceeding with adoption when the biological father won't or can't consent. Here are the most common scenarios:
Abandonment
The biological father has not visited, communicated with, or supported the child for a period defined by state law—typically 6 to 12 months.
Most common ground - applies to over 70% of cases
Failure to Support
The father has willfully failed to provide financial support for the child despite having the ability to do so.
Often combined with abandonment claims
Cannot Be Located
After conducting a diligent search, the biological father's whereabouts remain unknown and he cannot be served notice.
Requires documented search efforts
Parental Unfitness
The father has demonstrated unfitness through abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or criminal conduct affecting the child.
Requires documentation or court records
State Laws Vary
The specific timeframes and requirements differ by state. For example, some states define abandonment as 6 months without contact, while others require 12 months. Our service provides state-specific forms and instructions tailored to your jurisdiction.
Two Common Scenarios We Help Families Navigate
"He Knows About the Child But Doesn't Care"
The biological father is aware of the child but has chosen not to be involved. He doesn't visit, doesn't call, and provides no financial support—despite having the ability to do so.
Legal Path: Document the abandonment period (typically 6-12 months), serve him with adoption papers, and if he doesn't respond or contest, the court proceeds with the adoption.
"We Don't Know Where He Is"
The biological father has disappeared. You have no current address, phone number, or way to contact him. He may have left years ago and has had no involvement since.
Legal Path: Conduct a "diligent search" (we provide a checklist), then publish legal notice in a newspaper. If he doesn't respond within the specified period, the court allows the adoption to proceed.
Both paths lead to the same result: your family becomes legally complete.
How the Process Works When Father Won't Consent
A clear path from where you are now to a legally complete family
Complete Our Questionnaire
15 minutesAnswer straightforward questions about your family situation, the child, and the biological father's absence. This takes about 15 minutes.
Receive Your Documents
24-48 hoursWithin 24-48 hours, we prepare your complete adoption packet including termination/abandonment forms specific to your state and county.
Attempt to Locate & Serve
2-6 weeksFollow our instructions to document your search for the father and serve him notice. If he cannot be found, we guide you through service by publication.
File with Your Court
1 daySubmit your completed paperwork to your local court. We provide county-specific filing instructions and checklists.
Attend Final Hearing
3-6 months from filingAfter the required waiting period, attend a brief hearing where the judge reviews your case and approves the adoption.
Everything You Need to Adopt Without Father's Consent
Our $349 package includes all the documents and guidance required for your state— whether the father refuses to sign, ignores the process, or cannot be found.
Complete Package
$349
one-time fee
- All forms for adoption without consent
- State-specific documents
- County filing instructions
- 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee
- Unlimited email support
Court filing fees ($200-$400) paid separately to your court
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about adopting without the biological father's consent
Don't Let an Absent Father Hold Your Family Back
You've been the parent. Now make it official. Join the thousands of families who have completed their stepparent adoption—even without the biological father's consent.
100% Court Acceptance Guarantee - Forms Ready in 24-48 Hours - All 50 States