Step-parent Adoption
Step-parent adoption is directed by state law. And each state has its own laws! For example, some states do not require a home study for stepparent adoption. Most will mandate that a couple be married for a certain length of time (varying state-to-state) before the non-biological parent is permitted to adopt. Some states require/strongly encourage legal representation, while others provide forms for individuals to pursue step-parent adoption through the local court system.
Consulting with a local adoption attorney is an invaluable resource for step-parent adoption. The website for the American Association of Adoption Attorneys is:
www.adoptionattorneys.com 202-832-2222
CHILD WELFARE INFORMATION GATEWAY
The Child Welfare Information Gateway has a factsheet on step-parent adoption.
www.childwelfare.gov 800-394-3366
Search keywords: step-parent adoption
- Click on the first search result entitled "Adoption by Family Type: Step-parent Adoption" to preview or download the information.
For information on step-parent adoption state laws
- Search keywords: state statutes search
- Select the appropriate state
- Select the topics under the sub-head Adoption Suggestions:
- Consent to Adoption
- Rights of Presumed (Putative) Fathers
- Who May Adopt, Be Adopted, or Place a Child for Adoption
ADOPTION CHILD WELFARE LAW
Another website with detailed state law information on stepparent adoption is:
www.adoptionchildwelfarelaw.org†
- Go to the SEARCH area on the left side of the screen
- Select the appropriate state
- Select document type: All
- Search keywords: step-parent adoption
†This organization is based in Ohio and their website is a free service of The National Center for Adoption Law & Policy Capital University Law School. (Originally the Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law & Policy, this institute was founded at Capital University Law School in the fall of 1998 with generous seed funding from The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption).