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Blog 2019 October What You Should Know About Adopting Your Stepchild
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What You Should Know About Adopting Your Stepchild

Posted By Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny || 15-Oct-2019

Stepparents play an important role in the lives of their stepchildren. Some might even wish to make this arrangement legally binding through adoption. Adopting a stepchild is a far less complex process than most other forms of adoption, so if you are certain this is the option most suitable for you and your family, take some time to learn more about the requirements necessary to fulfill this wish.

Adopting Your Stepchild

To adopt your stepchild, you must obtain the consent of the other birth parent, unless his or her rights were already terminated. If the other parent does not have a close relationship with the child and wishes to relinquish all parental responsibilities, such as child support, it might be easy to obtain consent. However, if the other parent has a close relationship with the child, consenting to the adoption would mean he or she would no longer be able to maintain a relationship with the child, unless you and your spouse allowed it.

Terminating the Other Parent’s Birth Rights

If the other birth parent does not consent to the adoption, it is still possible to adopt your stepchild if you terminate his or her rights. The court will terminate a birth parent’s rights if he or she abandoned the child or is deemed to be an unfit parent.

  • Abandonment: If the other birth parent failed to provide financial support or remain in contact with the child for more than a year, this would be considered abandonment, resulting in the termination of parental rights.
  • Unfit: If the other birth parent is deemed unfit, his or her parental rights can also be terminated. Generally, if a parent is addicted to drugs or alcohol, failed to visit, is neglectful or abusive, has a mental disturbance, or is incarcerated, the court will likely determine that he or she is unfit.

Even though stepchild adoptions are not nearly as complex as most other types of adoption, it is still best to hire an experienced attorney to handle your case. You do not want to make any unnecessary mistakes or encounter any delays if you can avoid it. No matter how straightforward your case might seem, legal help can help ensure you obtain the results you are seeking.

Get Support from a Skilled Adoption Attorney Today!

If you are interested in adopting your stepchild, the experienced team at the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny can assist you throughout this complex legal process. Our team has more than three decades of combined legal experience in family law and a proven track record of successful results. You do not need to navigate this situation on your own. Put your trust in a team that is committed to helping clients take on the most delicate legal matters and providing the kind of exceptional representation that can make a difference.

Call our law office today at (713) 936-2300 to request an initial consultation with a knowledgeable and compassionate member of our legal team.

Categories: Adoption, Child Custody

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Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny
Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny - Houston Family Law Attorney
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