Abondanmont question

thank goodness I found this site. I have learned so much over the past hour reading past posts and what I need to do to begin court proceedings for my husband to adopt my son. I do have one question, that if I pay my lawyer $250 an hour he will answer...but I am hoping somone might know off hand, for free! I live in California, my son was born here, his bio-father is on the birth certificate. My son just turned 9, but from 1 yr till 7 and a half years of age his father had absolutly no contact with him. No cards, letters, phone call, visits...etc. Last year he came back into his life, but that only lasted for a few months. The phone calls were weekly, then monthly, and now have stopped. My question is...does the abandoment period begin "again"...or will the court take into consideration the 6 and a half years of previous abandanmont?? When I brought up that my son wanted to take my husbands last name the bio-father flipped, so I know he won't agree to the adoption. He has 2 other kids by a lady he is currently living with, but has little to no interest in my son, which he claims is my fault. Also, if this matters, he owes me over $26,000 in child support. Any suggestions, advice??