Frequently Asked Questions About Stepparent Adoption

WHAT’S THE PROCESS FOR A STEPPARENT ADOPTION?

The process usually begins with filing an adoption request in the appropriate county. Then, in the ideal situation, the following would occur. The Department of Social Services, or other appropriate agency, will begin an investigation into the adoption. This involves a social worker who will obtain background information on the adopting parent and will visit your home to interview the parent retaining custody, the adopting parent, the adoptee and other siblings. When the investigation is complete, the social worker will file a report with the court, usually recommending the adoption. The investigation generally takes about two months but sometimes up to one year. During this time, we either obtain the absent parent’s consent to adoption or terminate the parental rights of the absent parent. When this is complete, we request a hearing date with the court for you and your family to appear and finalize the adoption. The absent parent does not appear at finalization.

WHAT IF THE OTHER PARENT REFUSES TO CONSENT?

One of the advantages of working with our firm is that you won’t have to deal with your child’s absent parent. We have decades of experience working with parents who refuse to consent. Many times our efforts will result in obtaining consent, but not always. This does not mean the adoption can’t happen! Depending on the facts of your situation, we might be able to terminate parental rights through a court order if the absent parent hasn’t supported or visited the child when able to do so.

WHAT IF I HAVEN’T SPOKEN TO THE ABSENT PARENT IN YEARS AND HAVE NO IDEA WHERE S/HE IS?

We will do what’s necessary to accomplish what the Court mandates and to also keep your family safe. Typically we have to do a search for the absent parent; if we can’t find him or her, then we may ask the Court to dispense with publication. If we are able to locate him or her, then we will respectfully speak with that person and explain the realities of the situation.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

This depends entirely on the facts of your situation and how backlogged the courts are. Some adoptions can take as little as two months to complete, others can take more than one year. Our offices offer a complementary 15-minute consultation. Because every situation is unique, we’d be happy to give you an estimate of the anticipated costs and fees associated with your adoption during this consultation.