can my partner adopt my daughter

[m23]

ive been with my partner for a while and i have a 5 year old daughter, she hasnt seen or heard off her real dad in over 12 months and her relationship before that was rocky, he has a parental responsibility order and his name is on the birth certificate. can my present partner adopt my daughter as his own, as my daughter really loves him, without me having to consult my ex as i have no idea where he is or a contact number

[Pippa68]

You will have to obtain agreement from the natural father. As IAP says, it is up to you to find him to gain that agreement.

Think long and hard about this, too.

My stepfather adopted me when I was 6 years old, and my natural father signed the forms under duress and whilst in a state of depression and alcoholism, and he hadn't seen me for 3 years. I love both dads, even though I didn't see my natural father for years...and feel we were both robbed.

[aims1202]

It was a long time ago (28yrs) but my dad adopted my older brother after my mum and him married. My mum did not know where my brothers dad was, so it must be possible. Go to www.direct.gov.uk and then click on parents, then adopting.