Overview

The most common form of adoption is by a stepparent who assumes financial and legal responsibility for his/her spouse’s child(ren), and the non-custodial parent is released from all parenting responsibilities. Procedures are generally simpler than for other types of adoption, however, stepparent adoption law varies from state to state. State stepparent adoption laws address issues such as consents from the non-custodial parent, how long the stepparent and biological parent must be married before an adoption petition can be filed, whether or not a homestudy is required, and other requirements.

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An Excellent Resource

Adoption.com is pleased to offer the #1 guide to help you make your stepchild a permanent part of your loving family.

Stepparent Adoption (e-book)

Stepparent Adoption (print)

"Stepparent Adoption: A Resource Book," written by noted adoption author and researcher Tim O'Hanlon, Ph.D., provides comprehensive laws and formalities for all states, explores emotional issues for families and children, and includes in-depth information about laws and legal issues relating to consent from the non-custodial parent, second-parent adoption, and grandparent visitation.

If you are considering adopting your stepchild, this book is the best place to start and can help significantly to simplify the stepchild adoption process for you.

tips

1. The process may result in a change of the child's surname. Be sure to get several copies of the finalization document to provide to schools, agencies, and the government (tax forms, Social Security card, etc.) to prove the name change.
2. If you do not use an attorney, legal guidance may be available from a paralegal with experience in stepparent adoptions. Check your local resources.
3. Remember that stepparent adoption not only severs the legal relationship with one biological parent but also with members of that parent's family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Grandparent visitation is a consideration for stepfamily adoptions.

additional resources

starting stepparent adoption
stepparent adoption resources
state adoption laws

stepparent forums

stepparent adoption
stepparent adoption support
stepparent adoption support by state
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Credits: Nancy S. Ashe