What options do I have to be able to help my stepson get his license?

Full question:

My wife died recently and my stepson is now 16. We live in Washington State. His father is paying some support but not communicating other than payment. My stepson would like to get his drivers license but can't get his biological father that is on birth certificate to go with and sign for him. What options do I have to adopt or go around the dad to at least get him his license?

Answer:

We cannot give legal advice, and are not forming an attorney-client relationship with you. The following is not a substitute for the advice of a local attorney. But we hope the information will be useful.

You are not going to be able to adopt without the consent of the biological father. If you have been designated his legal guardian, this will suffice. See:

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/teens.html

The above allows legal guardian to sign. If you are not the boy's guardian, you may be able to establish this without the consent of the father, but you will have to consult a local family law attorney. Good luck.

 

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Driving with a suspended license in Washington state can lead to serious consequences. You may face fines, additional suspension time, and possibly even jail time. If caught, you could also be required to complete a mandatory driving course or pay reinstatement fees. Repeat offenses can lead to harsher penalties. It's essential to resolve any issues related to your license suspension before driving again. Consult with a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

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