What is Stepparent Adoption?
It is the process in which a child is adopted by the stepparent in the household who is married to the child’s legal parent and will then be responsible both legally and financially for the care of their adoptive child. Both birth parents must either give consent in this process or one birth parent must terminate their rights so that the stepparent can now legally be the child’s guardian. After the paperwork is all filed, the courts will then do a thorough investigation to ensure the child’s safety which then if the investigator recommends the adoption, the case will go to hearing. Our company partners are prepared and thrilled to assist you with this fast and easy process that will change the lives of everyone involved. Contact us today so that we can help you with all your adoption questions and needs to make this process go as smoothly as possible.
Steps for Adoption
1. Gather all necessary legal forms
2. Pay adoption filing fees and submit
3. Appear in court at the hearing
4. Finalize/obtain any adoption certifications
5. Pay any additional fees
What happens if the absent parent does not want to terminate their rights?
If one of the birth parents have been absent in a child’s life and the stepparent wants to adopt their significant other’s child, the absent birth parent must terminate their rights. If the birth parent fails to comply with this process, then you may seek help from the courts to show evidence of abandonment from their child. If the evidence is sufficient the judge may grant an involuntary termination of the absent parent’s rights under certain grounds which will then help proceed your stepparent adoption case.