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I just picked up the Step-Parent adoption book in the library that also includes the CD's for the forms. However, my dilemna is this:
(a little background)...
My children's biodad (ex-husband) is a convicted stalker. He stalked me from 1991 until he was convicted on two counts (death threats and the act) in 1996. My husband and I have been married since 1994 and he would like to adopt our now 12 and 14 year old children. My main concern is providing my home address to the court (where my ex could see it).
Will a judge allow me to just post a PO Box (I am more than willing to provide my home address to anyone but my ex)?
I have maintained a PO Box in case biodad ever wanted to write to the kids (he never has). The last time he had contact with the kids was once in 1995. That year, he gave up his visitation in court and was advised that he could petition to see the kids again if he agreed to psychological testing (he had called the police department and advised them that he was going to kidnap and kill the kids by cutting them up and throwing them into a canal). In 1997, his mother petitioned the court for grandparent visitation rights and was denied. The last actual child support check was sent in June of 1999 (he sent two checks that year).
My kids are old enough that they will be required to consent. How much weight does their opinion carry?
I'm reading that I should check his last known address, verify this through DMV records, voter's registration, and then contact some of his family members. This is scary to me, but I'll do it if it has to be done. How much digging do I need to do? Can I do some checking and then publish?
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
:confused:
Brenda
Oh my, I just had to write you....Have you ever heard out of site out of mind....I believe that your husband wants to adopt these children and make a better life for them, but if this man is out of they're life and has been for some time, don't trust that the courts won't try to re-establish a relationship with the kids and your ex. Trust me it happened to me...my ex was a big time abuser to me, and he just walked into court and made me look like the nut-case, and even after my attorney had told of all the abuse that happened in the home..they still granted him visitation..the courts are ridiculous. My new husband has been a saving grace to my children, he hasn't adopted them, but he has been there emotionally, finacially , etc. for 11 years. Trust me, build your family, adoption is not going to change anything, so long as your ex doesn't know your address, and doesn't want any contact with his children, so be it....out of sight out of mind....don't trust the courts.....
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Hi! Thanks for the reply. I've given that option so much consideration - that's why I have waited so long.
How long was your ex out of the picture before you went back to court? How old were your kids? Where was the court (if you don't mind my asking). Having worked in the "system" I do tend to trust it, but I know how things can go drastically wrong.
My ex owes so much back child support ($30-40K plus medical that he has never paid) that I think he might back down. (I think he prays to the almighty wallet). He's also mentally unstable and it is very clear in his appearance and speech.
It sounds like you went through a nightmare - I definitely don't want to do the same.