Hello, My name is Carlos and I want to adopt my 8 year-old step-daugter who is been with me for more than half of her life. My wife and I ha...

Question

Hello,

My name is Carlos and I want to adopt my 8 year-old step-daugter who is been with me for more than half of her life. My wife and I have been together for more than 4 years, almost 5. Now her biological father does not exist. He is listed unknown in her birth certificate. She has both of my wife's last names. I brought them (my wife and stepdaughter) to United States from Colombia on a K-1 K-3 visa. Also my wife and I have a son, my step-daughter's brother, who was born months before we came to the USA. What do I have to do?

Answer

What does "now her biological father does not exist" mean?

Answer

You must file a petition for adoption in court. Retain counsel unless you know what to do.