Stepparent Adoptions |

I have helped many families with a step-parent adoption. I found such to be a very wonderful thing for both the child and step-parent and is a cause for celebration on the day that it becomes final! When a child is adopted, the child legally becomes the “natural” child of the adoptive parent, the adoptive parent’s name replaces the biological parent’s on the birth certificate, and the child’s name can be changed which often provides the child a greater sense of belonging to the family unit. As the adoptive parent, you will have the same rights as a biological parent when it comes to your child’s education, medical care and other important decisions

Before a stepparent or relative can adopt a child, the rights of the child’s biological parent must first be terminated either voluntarily or involuntarily. Once that is complete, the biological parent no longer has any rights such as contact with or information regarding the child, even upon the death of the other biological parent, and no longer has any responsibility to provide financial support for the child.

Most often, step-parent adoptions are done with the consent of the biological parent, however it is possible to seek a step-parent adoption on the basis of legal “abandonment” of the child where there has been essentially no contact between the child and biological parent for a period of time in excess of 6 months.

Please call the office or send an email to me if you would like to schedule a time to discuss your case. I am also available by phone to discuss the associated costs with a step-parent adoption, which include my fees, the court filing fees and a home study be completed by a licensed social worker.

Request An Appointment

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.