Katrina S

I live in Oklahoma and have been in a relationship for almost 7 years, living as husband and wife. My husband has a sister that has signed over custody of her daughter to the state. We are in the process of adopting her...or so WE thought. After nearly a year of fighting and waiting, filling out papers and waiting, and thinking that we both were going to be on the adoption papers, we found out that his name will be the only name on the adoption papers since we are not "legally" married. We can not get married because he is on disability and will lose his insurance if we do.

I don't have children of my own, he has a daughter. I despirately want a child but can not have them. I am ok with this, but I am completely devastated over the fact that I will not be her "mom" legally. Yeah, I will be her mom, but I want that piece of paper. I NEED that piece of paper.

Anyone ever been through this or something similar before? Any advice?

Looking for someone to get together with on the weekend for a friendly poker game. No money, just prestige.