Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Step-Parent Adoption

Q: I’ve not heard from my child’s father in years, can my new husband adopt my child?

A: Yes, he probably can. Alaska recognizes that a biological parent who has not had meaningful contact with his or her child for over a year should not be able to stop the child's adoption by a loving stepparent. Under such circumstances, Alaska courts would require that the biological parent be given notice, but his consent is not required. If he absolutely cannot be found, the Court will then order notice by publishing an announcement in a newspaper.

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