CaliforniaStepparent & Adult Adoption
Court-approved forms for all 58 California Superior Courts
Starting at $349Save $4,000+ vs attorneys
1,219
California Families
$4,600
Average Savings
58
Counties Covered
4.9
Customer Rating
What We Help California Families Accomplish
What is Stepparent Adoption?
Stepparent adoption is the legal process by which a stepparent becomes the legal parent of their spouse's child in California. This permanently establishes parental rights including inheritance, medical decision-making, and the full parent-child relationship under California Family Code Division 13. If the other biological parent is absent or won't cooperate, the adoption can still proceed—over 80% of adoptions we help with are completed without the other parent's consent.
Timeline: Typically 3 months from filing to finalization in California Superior Court
What is Adult Adoption?
Adult adoption in California is the legal process of adopting someone who is 18 years or older. It's commonly used by stepparents to formally adopt adult stepchildren, creating legal inheritance rights and official family recognition. Adult adoption in California is simpler than minor adoption—typically not requiring home studies or biological parent consent, only the adult adoptee's written consent.
Timeline: Much faster than minor adoption—typically just 2-3 months in California
Who Can Adopt in California?
Under California adoption law, any adult living and working in California may petition for adoption if it is in the best interest of the adoptee. For stepparent adoption specifically, you must be:
- Legally married to the child's biological parent
- A California resident
- Able to provide for the child's welfare
- Pass required background checks
Since 2001, StepParent Adoption 360 has helped over 1,219 California families complete their adoptions — saving an average of $4,600 compared to hiring an attorney.
Choose Your California Adoption
Simple, transparent pricing. Everything you need to complete your adoption.
Stepparent Adoption
For children under 18
- Complete California adoption forms
- Step-by-step Superior Court filing guide
- Consent OR abandonment forms included
- County-specific instructions
- Unlimited email support
- 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee
Typical timeline: 3 months
Adult Adoption
For stepchildren 18 or older
- Complete California adult adoption forms
- Simplified process (2-3 months)
- Adult consent documentation
- Superior Court filing guide
- Unlimited email support
- 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee
Typical timeline: 2-3 months
What Does California Stepparent Adoption Cost?
Complete cost breakdown so you know exactly what to expect
With StepParent Adoption 360
*Costs vary by California county. Background check may include fingerprinting.
With a Traditional Attorney
Good News for California: Under Cal. Fam. Code § 8715, home studies are typically waived for stepparent adoptions unless the court specifically orders one. This saves you several hundred dollars compared to states that require home studies.
You Save $2,000 - $4,600+
Same court-approved documents, fraction of the cost
California Adoption Law at a Glance
Under California Family Code Division 13
Residency
No specific duration, but must be domiciled in California.
Cal. Fam. Code § 8714
Other Parent's Consent
Consent is ideal, but not required if parent is absent or won't sign.
80%+ of adoptions proceed without it
No Contact 12+ Months?
Court can waive consent based on abandonment. This is very common.
Cal. Fam. Code § 8604
Child's Consent
Children 12 years or older must provide written consent.
Cal. Fam. Code § 8602
Where to File
File in the Superior Court of your county.
58 California Superior Courts
Timeline
Stepparent: 3 months
Adult: 2-3 months
Varies by county
The California Stepparent Adoption Process
A stepparent adoption in California grants you the same legal rights and responsibilities as if the child were biologically yours. Here's exactly how to make it happen:
Adult Adoption in California
A simpler, faster path to making your family official
Adult adoptions in California are usually simpler and faster than adopting a minor. If your stepchild is 18 or older and you want to formalize your parent-child relationship, adult adoption creates full legal recognition including inheritance rights.
Why Adult Adoption is Simpler:
No Termination
Typically no need to terminate another parent's rights
Adult Consent Only
The adult adoptee simply provides written consent
Simplified Process
No home study, no background check—typically completed in just 2-3 months
The Process: Submit a Petition for Adult Adoption to your county's Superior Court, attend a brief hearing, and receive the Final Judgment of Adoption. You can then request a revised birth certificate for the adoptee if desired.
Typical timeline: 2-3 months
In the Superior Court of
__________ County, California
In the Matter of the Adoption of:
Minor Child
Case No.:
Petition for Stepparent Adoption
COMES NOW the Petitioner, , and respectfully petitions this Honorable Court for the adoption of the above-named minor child, and in support thereof states:
1. Petitioner is an adult resident of the State of California.
2. Petitioner is married to , the natural mother/father of the child.
3. The minor child, , was born on , and is presently years of age.
4. The parental rights of the natural parent should be terminated pursuant to Cal. Fam. Code § 8604 based upon:
WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays that this Court grant the adoption.
Petitioner
Sample illustration only — not a depiction of actual legal documents
Your Complete California Package
Every document required by California Superior Courts, customized for your county and family situation.
Petition for Stepparent Adoption
State-specific court filing
Consent/Abandonment Forms
Whether parent signs or not
Order of Adoption
Final court decree
Financial Affidavits
Required disclosures
Filing Instructions
County-specific guide
Court Checklist
Everything for your hearing
Ready in 24-48 hours — Documents prepared within 1-2 business days after completing the questionnaire.
How It Works
Three simple steps to complete your California adoption
Complete Questionnaire
Answer simple questions about your family. Takes about 15 minutes.
Get Your Forms
Receive court-ready California forms within 24-48 hours via email.
File with Court
Follow our step-by-step guide to file at your California Superior Court.
California Filing Locations
We prepare court-ready documents for families in California's major cities and surrounding counties
Los Angeles
CA
San Diego
CA
San Jose
CA
San Francisco
CA
Sacramento
CA
All 58 California counties covered. Our forms are customized for your specific county's Superior Court requirements.
California County Court Fees
Filing fees vary by county. Here are specific fees for major California counties.
Los Angeles County
$435Central District Courthouse
Processing: 10-12 weeks
San Diego County
$350Family Court Services
Processing: 8-10 weeks
Expedited hearing options available
Orange County
$370Lamoreaux Justice Center
Processing: 8-10 weeks
Electronic filing encouraged
San Francisco County
$450Unified Family Court
Processing: 10-12 weeks
Interpreter services readily available
Sacramento County
$395Family Law Court
Processing: 8-10 weeks
Fees subject to change. Contact the court clerk for current fees.
California Adoption Law References
Direct links to official California adoption statutes
Main Stepparent Adoption Statute
Cal. Fam. Code § 9000
Child Consent Requirement
Cal. Fam. Code § 8602
Abandonment Definition
Cal. Fam. Code § 7822
Consent Waiver
Cal. Fam. Code § 8604
Home Study Waiver
Cal. Fam. Code § 9000.5
Links open official state legislature websites in a new tab
Special Situations We Handle
Every family is unique. We have experience with all types of adoption situations in California.
Military Families
We understand military deployments, PCS moves, and interstate jurisdiction issues. Our forms work for active duty families stationed in or claiming California residency.
Blended Families
Whether you're adopting one child or multiple children from different relationships, we prepare the appropriate documents for your complete family situation.
LGBTQ+ Families
California recognizes same-sex marriage and stepparent adoption rights. We've helped many LGBTQ+ families complete their adoptions with full legal recognition.
Long-Term Stepparents
Been a stepparent for years? Many families wait to formalize the adoption. It's never too late to make your legal relationship official in California.
Absent Parent Cases
Over 80% of our adoptions proceed without the other parent's consent. If the biological parent is absent or won't cooperate, we prepare your abandonment documentation.
Adult Stepchildren
Want to adopt an adult stepchild (18+)? Adult adoption in California is simpler and faster—typically just 2-3 months with only the adult's consent required.
Benefits of California Stepparent Adoption
Completing an adoption creates a permanent legal bond with lasting benefits for your family
Special Considerations in California
Military Families
California is home to numerous military installations. We help military families navigate deployment situations, interstate jurisdiction issues, and expedited processing when needed.
Immigrant Families
California's diverse population includes many immigrant families seeking stepparent adoption. Legal residency required for adoptive parent.
Native American Heritage
Children with Native American heritage require special consideration under federal law including ICWA compliance.
California Families Love Us
Real stories from California families who completed their adoption
"Filing in Los Angeles was so much easier than we expected. The forms were perfect and the step-by-step guide walked us through everything. Our family is now officially complete!"
Rodriguez Family
Los Angeles, CA
"We were nervous about the legal process, but StepParent Adoption 360 made it simple. The Superior Court accepted all our forms without any issues."
Chen Family
San Diego, CA
"After being a stepparent for 7 years, we finally made it official. The support team answered all our questions and the forms were exactly what the court needed."
Williams Family
San Jose, CA
California Adoption FAQ
Get answers to the most common questions about stepparent adoption in California
Ready to Complete Your California Family?
Join 1,219+ California families who have successfully completed their adoption. Start today and save thousands compared to hiring an attorney.
100% Court Acceptance Guarantee - Forms Ready in 24-48 Hours - All 58 California Counties