DelawareStepparent & Adult Adoption
Court-approved forms for all 3 Delaware Family Courts
Starting at $349Save $4,000+ vs attorneys
89
Delaware Families
$4,600
Average Savings
3
Counties Covered
4.9
Customer Rating
What We Help Delaware 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 Delaware. This permanently establishes parental rights including inheritance, medical decision-making, and the full parent-child relationship under Delaware Code Title 13, Chapter 9. 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 4-6 months from filing to finalization in Delaware Family Court
What is Adult Adoption?
Adult adoption in Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware
Who Can Adopt in Delaware?
Under Delaware adoption law, any adult living and working in Delaware 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 Delaware resident for at least 6 months
- Able to provide for the child's welfare
- Pass required background checks
Since 2001, StepParent Adoption 360 has helped over 89 Delaware families complete their adoptions — saving an average of $4,600 compared to hiring an attorney.
Choose Your Delaware Adoption
Simple, transparent pricing. Everything you need to complete your adoption.
Stepparent Adoption
For children under 18
- Complete Delaware adoption forms
- Step-by-step Family Court filing guide
- Consent OR abandonment forms included
- County-specific instructions
- Unlimited email support
- 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee
Typical timeline: 4-6 months
Adult Adoption
For stepchildren 18 or older
- Complete Delaware adult adoption forms
- Simplified process (2-3 months)
- Adult consent documentation
- Family Court filing guide
- Unlimited email support
- 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee
Typical timeline: 2-3 months
What Does Delaware Stepparent Adoption Cost?
Complete cost breakdown so you know exactly what to expect
With StepParent Adoption 360
*Costs vary by Delaware county. Background check may include fingerprinting.
With a Traditional Attorney
Good News for Delaware: Under 13 Del. C. § 906, 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
Delaware Adoption Law at a Glance
Under Delaware Code Title 13, Chapter 9
Residency
Must live in Delaware for at least 6 months before filing.
13 Del. C. § 903
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.
13 Del. C. § 1103
Child's Consent
Children 14 years or older must provide written consent.
13 Del. C. § 908
Where to File
File in the Family Court of your county.
3 Delaware Family Courts
Timeline
Stepparent: 4-6 months
Adult: 2-3 months
Varies by county
The Delaware Stepparent Adoption Process
A stepparent adoption in Delaware 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 Delaware
A simpler, faster path to making your family official
Adult adoptions in Delaware 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 Family 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 Family Court of
__________ County, Delaware
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 Delaware, having resided in this state for more than 6 months immediately preceding the filing of this petition.
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 13 Del. C. § 1103 based upon:
WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays that this Court grant the adoption.
Petitioner
Sample illustration only — not a depiction of actual legal documents
Your Complete Delaware Package
Every document required by Delaware Family 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 Delaware adoption
Complete Questionnaire
Answer simple questions about your family. Takes about 15 minutes.
Get Your Forms
Receive court-ready Delaware forms within 24-48 hours via email.
File with Court
Follow our step-by-step guide to file at your Delaware Family Court.
Delaware Filing Locations
We prepare court-ready documents for families in Delaware's major cities and surrounding counties
Wilmington
DE
Dover
DE
Newark
DE
Middletown
DE
Smyrna
DE
All 3 Delaware counties covered. Our forms are customized for your specific county's Family Court requirements.
Special Situations We Handle
Every family is unique. We have experience with all types of adoption situations in Delaware.
Military Families
We understand military deployments, PCS moves, and interstate jurisdiction issues. Our forms work for active duty families stationed in or claiming Delaware 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
Delaware 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 Delaware.
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 Delaware is simpler and faster—typically just 2-3 months with only the adult's consent required.
Delaware Families Love Us
Real stories from Delaware families who completed their adoption
"Filing in Wilmington 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!"
Williams Family
Wilmington, DE
"We were nervous about the legal process, but StepParent Adoption 360 made it simple. The Family Court accepted all our forms without any issues."
Johnson Family
Dover, DE
"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."
Smith Family
Newark, DE
Delaware Adoption FAQ
Get answers to the most common questions about stepparent adoption in Delaware
Ready to Complete Your Delaware Family?
Join 89+ Delaware 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 3 Delaware Counties