Stepparent Adoption

We are stepparent adoption experts with nearly thirty years experience processing nearly a thousand California stepparent adoptions. We know what to do even when challenging parents refuse to consent. Call our office today to schedule a complimentary 15 minute consultation.

Stepparent adoption is the most common form of adoption in the United States. At the completion of a stepparent adoption, a legal parent shares all the legal and financial responsibilities with the (former) stepparent. The (former) stepparent assumes the legal role of co-parent with the parent retaining custody. The non-custodial original parent is relieved on any ongoing responsibilities, but obligations of the past remain in force. (E.g. any past child support obligations remain owing.) In a stepparent adoption, there is an adoption request/petition filed, a termination of parental rights–either voluntary or court ordered, usually a homestudy or investigation, and a final court appearance where the adoption agreement and the adoption decree is signed. Typically the process takes about 4 months. The most difficult part of many stepparent adoptions is securing the noncustodial parent’ consent to adoption or termination of the rights. Although typically it is the mother retaining custody and arranging for her spouse to adopt, it is not always the case. Sometimes it is the father who wishes his spouse to adopt his child.

If the parent is in agreement with the adoption plan, he or she may sign consent or a waiver. We can also terminate the rights of an unknown father via court action. Depending on the facts of your particular situation, it may also be very possible to terminate rights of a nonwilling or missing parent via court action. Many times, even when our clients indicate that the noncustodial parent will be uncooperative or hostile, we have been very successful in working out arrangements so the adoption may take place. We generally are the ones who make contact and arrangements with a parent where there is an adverse history. And we will always keep you informed of the status of our contacts. Please contact our office for a complimentary 15 minute consultation.