Question: How can my new husband adopt my children, his step-children?

Answer: To accomplish an adoption, your husband must file suit and give notice to the father of the child. It is possible that the father would be agreeable, and if he is, he can sign an affidavit to that effect. It depends on the judge concerning whether an attorney would be appointed to represent the child, an attorney ad litem, in a step-parent circumstance. If so, you can expect to pay that attorney as well. Some judges don't require an attorney ad litem in a step-parent scenario. Filing fees in Dallas County for 2005 are approximately $191.00, plus $8.00 for each citation needed. My retainer for an adoption would $2000.00 plus the filing fees.

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