National Adoption Month: Stepparent Adoption

Every November, National Adoption Month shines awareness on adoption in all its forms, including stepparent adoption. While many people think first of newborns being adopted through private agencies, adoption happens in a variety of ways including by a stepparent who has stepped into a parental role with love, consistency, and commitment.

Stepparent adoption formalizes a relationship that, in many ways, already exists — one built on trust, connection, and hope for moving forward as a unified family. It provides the legal security that reflects the created bond, especially when a biological parent has passed away or is no longer involved or present in the child's life due to a variety of reasons.

What is Stepparent Adoption?

Stepparent adoption allows a married stepparent to become the child’s legal parent. Once finalized, the adopting stepparent has the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. This process establishes:

• A permanent parent-child relationship

• Equal parental rights and responsibilities

• A shared family name, if the family believes it is in the child's best interest

• Long-term stability with education and medical decisions

  
  

For many families, stepparent adoption brings emotional peace and legal clarity to form a cohesive family unit.

Why Families Choose Stepparent Adoption

Every family's story is different, but often stepparent adoption is chosen because:

• The stepparent has played a central, loving role in the child's daily life.

• The child sees the stepparent as a parental figure.

• The family wants the child to benefit from the legal rights and protections afforded by adoption.

• The biological parent is absent, uninvolved, or unable to fulfill their responsibilities.

What the Process Typically Involves

Although stepparent adoption can be more straightforward than other forms of adoption, certain legal steps need to be followed, such as:

• Consent from the biological parent (when applicable)

• Filing the adoption petition and required court documents

• Completing any necessary background checks

• Attend a final hearing, so a judge can finalize the adoption

Every case is different, and some situations are more involved, such as termination of parental rights or consent issues, which is why a family law attorney is necessary to navigate the complexities.

Our Support for Families Growing Through Adoption

At the Law Office of Kristen Bishop Ames, we are honored to support families pursuing stepparent adoption. Whether you are just beginning to explore options or are ready to start the process, we are here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and careful attention to each step.

This month, and every month, we celebrate all families who grow through adoption.

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