Adoption For Stepparents And Second Parents

Stepparent adoptions establish a legal parent-child relationship when the adopting parent is not the birth parent. When the adoption is finalized, the stepparent has all the same permanent legal and financial rights and responsibilities as the birth parent. A stepparent adoption releases the noncustodial parent of his or her responsibilities, including child support payments. In most cases, it is required that the custodial parent and the stepparent have been married, or registered as domestic partners, for a minimum of one year.

Important Information To Note

Fertility & Surrogacy Legal Group, APC is here to help you through this process, which involves filling out court forms and then attending a hearing with a judge. The child being adopted, his or her biological parent, and the adopting stepparent are required to be present. Because one of the child’s birth parents continues to retain custody, this type of adoption is simpler than others. Most states have streamlined the process so that the hearing judge has the option to dismiss the home study usually required for adoption.

A stepparent adoption typically requires the consent of the noncustodial parent, who will be relieved of all parental responsibilities in the process. If the noncustodial parent objects, or refuses consent, the adoption may be halted. Some states have made provisional exceptions to this rule, if the noncustodial parent has lapsed in communication or contact with the child for a certain length of time.

Act Now By Calling Today

Our firm supports families in the process of obtaining a stepparent adoption. We fill out the paperwork and facilitate all court proceedings on our client’s behalf. Contact us today in our San Diego office at 619-329-4411 for more information, or to schedule a free consultation.