Requirements - Steps - Laws
Protecting Families: Stepparent Adoption
Adopting a stepchild is the most common form of child adoption. A stepparent who adopts agrees to be fully responsible for his or her spouse's child. After the stepparent adoption occurs, the parent not living with the child no longer has any legal rights or responsibilities for the child, including child support.
Lawyers at our Los Angeles firm, Stolar & Associates, support blended families, protecting parent-child relationships through stepparent adoption. An attorney from our family law practice will be happy to explain how California law applies to your situation. Contact our office to arrange a free consultation.
Your advocates in family law and stepparent adoption.
Free consultation. Speak with an attorney. 310.288.1828
Why adopt stepchildren?
Does your stepchild consider you a parent? Are you the one who helps with homework, talks to the doctor, and claps at games and recitals? If something happened to your spouse, would you still want to be part of your stepchild's life?
You have, as a stepparent, no legal rights. If your spouse became incapacitated, died, or you divorced, the court could award custody of your stepchild to anyone —possibly a relative who has not ever been part of the child's life. You could be prevented from ever seeing the child again. Through stepparent adoption, your legal relationship with your child will become identical to that of birth parent and child.
Termination of parental rights
Before you can proceed with adoption as a stepparent, the court will need to know that the birth parent is willing to waive his or her rights. In a case where it is clear the birth parent is unfit, the court may issue an order terminating parental rights. Our attorneys will determine whether there are barriers to adoption and will help with necessary legal measures.
Free consultation with a Los Angeles step parent adoption lawyer. Contact us today.
It is our goal as attorneys to protect families. If you would like to discuss stepparent adoption with a lawyer from our Los Angeles family law practice, please call us at 310.288.1828 or contact us today. Your first consultation is free.
