Can I adopt my step daughter without having to hire a

I see. So, oftentimes you can get the paperwork for filing for adoption directly from the court - the often have templates you can use. I have to be honest with you... I *still* think this fact that there's an ex who is on the birth certificate will be an issue, so the prudent thing to do would be to get an Affidavit signed by him disclaiming paternity. You can expect, though, that the court will ask who the biological father is - and ask for his consent (if mom knows who he is - and it sounds like he does).

I suspect you're focusing your energies in the wrong place anyway... if the ex isn't the biological father and it says that in the decree, you need the consent of the biological father before you can adopt this child.

The courts just aren't going to strip someone of their legal rights (even if it's in name only) without legal proceedings - and the very first thing the court will expect you to do is find the biological father. I'm very sorry.

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