Step-parent adoption in Florida

[Zofnas1231]

There is a lot that factors in with my case and my husband and I are really wanting to move forward with the adoption of my daughter.
I have sole custody which was granted because of a domestic violence case (DFC got involved) where her real father punched her in the face while trying to stop me from leaving our house. When my daughter was 5 months old he was ordered to only have supervised visitation (with an authorized company) 1 time a month for one hour until he completed his case plan which after a year he never did and the case was closed May 30th of '07. He did his visitations up until her 1 st birthday (december 5th was the last time there was ANY contact from her father). My daughter is now 20 months old and the only man she knows as daddy is my husband. My husband wants to adopt her and I think that is the best thing for her as her real father could actually give a rats butt (says he does but has never shown it.) I have never received a penny in child support and even pursued it through the state which to this day they can still not find him. He is aware they are looking and is hiding. He refuses to sign his rights over so I know I have to go above his head. Can anyone give me some advice? I would like to do this without an attorney but will use one if I must...my daughter is my life and I want the best for her. I know where to get all the forms but where do I file them and how much might this cost altogether just so I know. Thanks in advance!!!!!

[Katherine]

I hope you found your answer, if so please let me know, because I am in the same situation.

Thanks in advance,
Katherine