Step-Parent Adoption
Step-parent adoption allows a person to obtain full parental rights over their step-child. A step-parent adoption is available when one biological parent of the child and their spouse (the step-parent) want the step-parent to adopt the child, and the other biological parent of the child consents to the adoption. The adopting step-parent initiates the proceeding by filing a joint Petition, along with their spouse (the biological mother or father of the child). The adoption terminates the parental rights of the other biological parent.
Benefits of Step-Parent Adoption include:
Stability for the child.
Estate planning purposes- once the step-parent adoption is completed the child can inherit from the step-parent's estate.
So that family members can legally share the same last name
legal protection for the child
to build an emotional bond between stepparent and child.
Contact our office to discuss with us further and see if a step-parent adoption may be available to you and your spouse.