Husband Crushed After Wife Refuses to Let Him Adopt Her Son

Imagine being a loving father figure to a child for years, only to have your dreams of legally adopting them crushed. That’s exactly what happened to 30-year-old Devon, who has been a father figure to his wife’s 5-year-old son, Levi, since the boy was born. Levi’s biological father went missing before he was born, and Devon has been there for both the child and his mother ever since. But when Devon asked his wife if he could adopt Levi, she said no, leaving him devastated.

Devon’s Heartfelt Request

Wife’s Reluctance

A Compromise?

Devon’s Understanding

Wife’s Conditions

Devon’s Reaction

Sister’s Opinion

Wife’s Final Update

Current Arrangements

Levi’s Adoption Decision

Waiting for Levi’s Understanding

Levi’s Last Name

Devon’s Love and Respect

Legal Guardianship

Wife’s Love for Devon

Wife Stands Firm on Adoption Decision

Despite Devon’s heartache, the wife remains firm in her decision not to let him adopt Levi at this time. She believes that it’s best to wait until Levi is older and can fully understand the implications of adoption. In the meantime, she’s open to discussing legal guardianship for Devon, but this will also involve discussions with her ex’s family. While she loves her husband dearly, she’s not ready to take this step in their relationship just yet. Let’s see what the internet thinks of this emotional situation…

Letting the child decide when he’s older is the best option

Husband wants to adopt son, wife hesitant due to ex’s absence

Let the son decide when he’s older. Husband should understand

Husband feels like second choice due to wife’s lingering feelings.

Ex’s family is active in his life, waiting for son’s decision

Planning for the future is crucial for blended families

Potential legal issues arise for husband’s relationship with stepson Levi

Let Levi decide. NTA for leaving the decision to him

Is Devon just a placeholder? The comment section debates.

Rejecting husband’s adoption offer makes you YTA according to comment.

Heartbreaking story of a missing father and a devoted mother.

Wife prioritizes ex over husband’s legal rights. YTA.

Stepdad’s feelings are valid, give him time to process

What if Levi’s father returns? The ultimate dilemma

Commenter calls OP out for being the a**hole in adoption dispute

Husband wants to adopt wife’s son, but she’s hesitant. Commenter suggests therapy and legal protection.

Redemption arc: commenter apologizes for past behavior

Mother refuses husband’s adoption offer, commenters debate legal implications.

Let Levi decide when he’s older. NTA.

Adopting stepson raises legal and emotional concerns.

Adoption could ensure son’s future, consider all options. ‍

Can Levi be adopted without taking husband’s last name?

Commenter calls out husband’s desire to adopt stepson, sparks debate.

Legal death of father soon, wait before adopting son. NTA.

Stepfather wants to adopt son, wife refuses. Potential relationship issues.

Letting your ego stop a child from having a father? YTA.

Seek therapy to cope with the trauma of adoption rejection

Waiting for Levi’s opinion is wise. Step-parents aren’t always evil

Commenter accuses without evidence, causing confusion and disagreement.

Father figure or not, adoption is a serious conversation

Navigating complex family dynamics with empathy and counseling

Stepparent wants to adopt son, but wife is hesitant. NAH.

Commenter and reply shocked at wife’s decision, calls OP YTA

Communication is key in this complicated situation. ️

Explore alternative guardianship options for your stepson’s future

Husband wants to adopt wife’s son, but wife refuses. Commenter thinks YTA.

Heartbreaking situation for a man who loves his stepson

Debate over husband’s legal rights to adopt wife’s son.

User accuses commenter of not being realistic and calls her YTA.

Adoption decision belongs to the son, not the stepfather. NTA

User gently calls out OP for being selfish and suggests counseling.

Commenter raises valid concerns about legal adoption and custody.

Parenting is about doing what’s best for the kid. YTA

Commenter calls out husband for being the a**hole in adoption dispute

Consider hyphenating Levi’s last name. Ensure his future custody.

Legal guardianship or living will can secure Levi’s future.

Step-parent adoption should wait for the kid’s decision

A fair request met with understandable hesitation. NAH

A mature and reasonable discussion about adoption and love.

Husband wants to adopt son, wife disagrees. Both NAH.

Commenter calls out OP’s behavior and suggests therapy.

Mixed feelings on husband not being allowed to adopt stepson