Step-Parent Adoptions

The process for a stepparent adoption is somewhat different from and typically more simple than a standard adoption. In a stepparent adoption, a spouse will seek to adopt the non-biological child of their spouse. The stepparent wishing to adopt will file the petition for stepparent adoption with the court and will basically be responsible for continuing the process to completion. The adopting parent will be the petitioner. The court will consider stepparent adoption in cases where the biological parent, the one to be replaced, has failed to contact the child and/or provide support for the child for at least a year.

In a stepparent adoption the natural parent's rights must be terminated. This can be done by consent of the natural (relinquishing) parent or by court order. If the rights of the relinquishing parent are to be terminated non-consensually, then a petition to terminate rights must also be filed. The natural parent retaining custody must also consent to the adoption and a home study must be conducted by the court-appointed agency as well. There are fees for the home study that must be paid to the County and they run $700 or more depending upon location and type of adoption. These fees are in addition to the attorney fees.

For further information, please call me and please also feel free to review the articles I've posted in order to provide you with more "real-time" news and information on this topic.

For an initial consultation, please email us or call (949) 261-7700 or (949) 713-3817.

Step-Parent Adoption Blog
Adoption, the Alternative Toâ€¦ Pregnancy?
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The Sick and Wounded
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More of My Story
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Christmas Miracle
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Adoption Notices
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Toddler Top Ten
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The Best Kind
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Perfect Profile Picture- part 2
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