My ex won't tell me where the biological father lives — can I still adopt in Washington?

Yes. When you cannot locate the biological father despite good-faith efforts, Washington law allows service by publication — and the adoption can proceed.

What to do:

1. Document your search efforts — check last known address, contact mutual acquaintances, search social media and public records
2. File a motion with the Superior Court for permission to serve by publication
3. Publish a legal notice in a newspaper (typically in the area where the father was last known to live)
4. Wait for the response period to expire (the father almost certainly will not see or respond to the notice)
5. The adoption proceeds without his participation

What qualifies as "good-faith effort":

• Attempted contact at last known address
• Asked your ex or mutual acquaintances (document their refusal to provide info)
• Checked public records, voter registration, DMV (where available)
• Searched social media
• You do NOT need to hire a private investigator

Cost of publication: $50–$150

Additional timeline: Adds about 4–6 weeks

In our 25+ years of experience: This is a very common situation. Your ex's refusal to provide information does not block the adoption. Courts handle this routinely.

We include all documents for service by publication in your $349 package. Start at stepparentadoption360.com/portal/register.