Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about stepparent and adult adoption
General Questions
3 questions
Stepparent adoption is the legal process by which a stepparent becomes the full, legal parent of their spouse's child – with all the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. Once complete, there is no legal difference between an adopted child and a biological child.
This process permanently terminates the legal relationship between the child and the absent biological parent. The stepparent's name replaces the biological parent's name on the child's birth certificate, and the child gains inheritance rights, insurance eligibility, and all other legal protections that come with having two legal parents.
What Stepparent Adoption Provides:
- • Full parental rights – make medical, educational, and legal decisions for your child
- • Inheritance rights – your child automatically inherits from you without a will
- • Insurance benefits – add your child to health, life, and other insurance policies
- • Social Security benefits – your child may qualify for survivor benefits
- • Emotional security – your child knows they are fully and permanently part of your family
34,000+ families have completed their stepparent adoption with our help since 2001. The process is straightforward, and we guide you through every step.
Most stepparent adoptions take approximately 3 months from filing to finalization, regardless of whether the biological parent consents or their whereabouts are unknown.
About 3 months from filing to your final court hearing
Good to know: Even when the biological parent is missing or their location is unknown, the process typically still takes about 3 months. We handle these situations regularly.
Our Document Preparation Service
$349
Complete package for your state
Additional Costs to Budget:
Compare to Attorney Fees: $4,000 - $5,000+ for the same service
You save thousands with our professional document preparation!
Consent and Requirements
3 questions
80% of adoptions are completed WITHOUT the biological parent's consent
This is the most common situation we handle – and courts process these cases routinely.
Here's the reality: In our 25+ years helping over 34,000 families, approximately 80% of stepparent adoptions are completed without the absent biological parent's consent. Courts across the country are very familiar with this situation and have established procedures to handle it.
When a biological parent has been absent from a child's life – whether they've moved away, stopped visiting, failed to pay child support, or simply disappeared – the courts recognize that forcing consent is neither practical nor in the child's best interest.
How It Works Without Consent:
- • Service of process – The biological parent is legally notified of the adoption proceeding
- • Publication – If they can't be found, notice is published in a local newspaper
- • Default – If they don't respond or appear, the court proceeds without them
- • Termination – The court terminates their parental rights based on abandonment or failure to support
Don't let the absent parent hold you back. We prepare all the documents needed for adoptions with or without consent, and we'll guide you through the exact process for your state.
Yes, adoption is possible!
We prepare all documents for unknown father situations.
The process involves:
- ✓ Publishing legal notices in local newspapers
- ✓ Following your state's putative father registry procedures
- ✓ Documenting efforts to identify or locate the father
Don't worry – we handle this situation all the time!
Most of our 34,000+ successful adoptions have been completed without the biological parent's consent.
Here's the truth: The absent parent cannot block you from adopting. If they haven't been involved in the child's life, the courts have clear procedures to move forward without their cooperation. We will prepare all the documents needed for your specific situation, and we'll guide you through every step.
Grounds for Proceeding Without Consent:
- • Abandonment – No meaningful contact for 6-12 months (varies by state)
- • Failure to support – Not paying child support as ordered
- • Location unknown – Cannot be found despite reasonable efforts
- • Incarceration – Long-term imprisonment in many states
We've got you covered. When you work with us, we'll evaluate your situation, prepare the right documents for your state, and give you clear instructions on exactly what to do. The absent parent's refusal or silence will NOT stop your adoption.
Process and Documents
3 questions
15-30 Documents
The exact documents required depend on your state, county, and unique situation.
Stepparent adoption requires a substantial amount of legal paperwork – typically between 15 and 30 different documents that must be prepared correctly for your specific court. The good news? We prepare everything for you.
After you complete our questionnaire, we analyze your situation and prepare a customized document package with everything your court needs. Here's a sample of what may be included:
Core Court Documents
- • Petition for Adoption
- • Consent/Waiver of Consent Forms
- • Order of Adoption
- • Decree of Adoption
- • Summons & Service Documents
- • Parental Rights Termination Forms
Supporting Documents
- • Financial Affidavits
- • Background Check Forms
- • Home Study Waiver Request
- • Publication Affidavits (if needed)
- • Vital Statistics Forms
- • Filing Instructions & Checklists
You'll receive a complete, customized package with all the documents required for your specific situation. We've been doing this since 2001 and know exactly what each court needs.
Yes – but it's a happy occasion!
The final hearing is when the judge officially makes you a legal family.
What to Expect:
-
15
Minutes
Most hearings are brief and straightforward
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📸
Photo Opportunity
Many judges allow family photos in the courtroom
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💻
Virtual Option
Some states now allow video conference hearings
Yes! A new birth certificate is issued.
The adoptive parent's name replaces the biological parent's name.
How to Get the New Certificate:
- 1. Wait for the adoption decree to be recorded
- 2. Contact your state's vital records office
- 3. Submit the request with required fees ($15-30)
- 4. Receive your new certificate in 2-6 weeks
We include detailed instructions for obtaining the new birth certificate with your document package.
Adult Adoption
2 questions
Yes! ✓
Adult adoption (18+) is legal in all 50 states.
Why Adult Adoption is Often Easier:
- ✓ The adult can consent for themselves
- ✓ Other biological parent's consent usually not required
- ✓ No home study or background check in most states
- ✓ Typically faster process (1-3 months)
Adult adoption creates a full legal parent-child relationship with many important benefits:
Legal Rights
Inheritance rights, next-of-kin status, medical decisions
Insurance Benefits
May qualify as dependent on health, life insurance
Official Records
New birth certificate, legal name change if desired
Emotional Bond
Formalizes your family relationship officially
Still Have Questions?
Our friendly team is here to help. Call us or send a message and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.