| Adoption is not just for a child birthed by a young | | | | court, or the child them self. Depending on your |
| mother or a child adoption agency. Children can be | | | | state, both parents may need to give consent. Your |
| adopted within a family. This type of adoption is | | | | state may have special circumstances that render |
| called a step-parent adoption and can generally | | | | the non-custodial parent's consent as unnecessary. It |
| happen for three reasons. If the parent remarries, | | | | is also a good idea to contact the court that deals |
| their new spouse may want to adopt the child or | | | | with adoptions in your county and get information on |
| children. Another scenario is when a parent remarries | | | | step-parent adoptions. Ask them what kind of |
| after the death of their first spouse. These types of | | | | representation you need, if a home study is required, |
| adoptions may be possible when a child is born out of | | | | and what forms will be needed to file for the |
| wedlock. It is the step-parent's choice to adopt their | | | | adoption. Get with your lawyer to complete and file |
| spouse's children. The birth parent must be informed | | | | the legal forms needed. You will then wait for a court |
| of the situation and either consent or be declared | | | | date. The judge will question all parties involved during |
| unfit for the adoption to be finalized. Some states do | | | | the hearing. A date will be set to finalize the adoption |
| not require consent whereas others do. | | | | and a certificate will be issued after it is finalized. |
| The requirements that must be met for a | | | | Once you have legally adopted the child, you can |
| step-parent adoption vary in each state. You will | | | | apply for an amended birth certificate that shows |
| need to seek assistance from a law firm as far as | | | | you as a parent. |
| who is handles these types of adoptions and for | | | | A step-parent adoption is a big step in consolidating |
| consultation. It is better to have this taken care of | | | | the family. Often this type of adoption is welcomed |
| before the adoption process is started. Someone can | | | | by the child and strengthens the bond between the |
| legally advise and assist you throughout the entire | | | | step-parent and the child. This can be very beneficial |
| process. In cases where the child is old enough to | | | | to the relationship between spouses by eliminating |
| give their own consent, their signature will be required | | | | any issues that come with step-parenting that can |
| as evidence of consent. Legal paperwork changes | | | | cause friction between the two of you. Divorce |
| according to the situation and a lawyer can cover all | | | | lawyers are a good choice because they deal with |
| angles for you. | | | | adoptions and custody issues often. Make sure you |
| Consulting with an attorney is the first step in | | | | obtain a lawyer who is has worked on these types |
| pursuing a step-parent adoption. Once they have | | | | of adoptions and suits your needs. This will make the |
| heard the details of the case they can determine | | | | process less stressful and easier for everyone |
| how the adoption laws in your state apply. The next | | | | involved. |
| step is obtaining consent either from the birth parent, | | | | |