ADOPTION & ART ATTORNEYS IN MARYLAND, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA & VIRGINIA
A stepparent adoption is a type of independent adoption in which a stepparent adopts their child's spouse, and the spouse maintains his/her legal rights. Whether you’ve recently joined a family and you’d like to make your new commitment permanent by adopting your stepchild or you’ve been raising your stepchild for years and you’d like to formalize the important parental bond you share, we can help you complete this type of adoption.
Step-Parent Adoptive Services in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC
Understanding Consent to an adoption, Sole Custody issues with adoption and Custody vs Parental Rights can be tricky.
We've highlighted some questions about these issues, including Can I surprise my step-parent with an adoption of me? Do I have to notify my child's biological parent if he/she is not on the birth certificate or has never been involved? To learn more about stepparent adoption in Virginia, Maryland or The District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), contact us now.
Read below for more information about the Step-Parent Adoption process.
The Difference Between Stepparent, Second Parent and Adult Adoptions
Which type of adoption do you require in your situation?
- If Your stepchild is 18 years or older, you’ll require an adult adoption.
- If you aren’t legally married to your partner but wish to adopt their child, you’ll require a second parent adoption.
- You’re married and you wish to adopt your spouse’s child, then you’ll require a stepparent adoption.
The legal steps of each type of adoption vary. If you’re unsure of which type of adoption is appropriate in your individual situation, contact us now. We can help guide you to the adoption process that’s right for your family.
Why People Choose to Adopt Their Stepchild
If you’re already acting as this child’s parent in every way, formalizing your relationship with a stepparent adoption may seem unnecessary. However, there are several benefits of adopting a stepchild in Maryland, Virginia or DC, including:
- You can all share the same last name, if desired.
- They can inherit from you.
- They can benefit from your social security and insurance.
- You can make important medical decisions for one another and access medical records in the event of an emergency.
- You’ll have equal legal rights to your child.
- It can be an important emotional representation of the love you have for your stepchild.
There are many reasons a person may or may not choose to complete a stepparent adoption in MD, VA or DC. We can help you determine the right course of action for your family.
The Process of Adopting a Stepchild in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia
While some of the laws pertaining to the adoption of a stepchild will vary between the states, the general steps of the process remain similar:
- File an adoption petition with the court.
- Obtain consent from the child’s noncustodial biological parents or terminate their parental rights.
- File the required paperwork with the court.
- Attend the finalization hearing, where the judge will grant you official parental rights for your child.
- File for a new birth certificate for the child (you can also file for a last name change, if desired), listing you as their parent.
We will walk you through each step of the stepparent adoption process to ensure everything is completed correctly and that you’re always fully informed. If you have any questions about the process of adopting a stepchild within your state, please contact us for more information.
How We Compassionately Navigate Consent for Stepparent Adoptions
Stepparent adoptions can be sensitive, especially if the other biological/legal parent is still alive and involved in your child’s life. With a stepparent adoption, because the biological/legal parent’s parental rights would be terminated, they must be notified and approve of the stepparent’s intent to adopt.
If the biological/legal parent cannot be found or refuses to consent, it is still possible for a court to grant the adoption as long as the biological/legal parent is properly notified of the adoption. For example, in a stepparent adoption without the bio father’s consent, the biological father must be notified of the adoption and provided an opportunity to object. If he does not object, the adoption will be granted if it is in the best interest of the child. If a legal parent objects to the adoption, the outcome is specific to each case. Our team has handled dozens of stepparent adoptions in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, including those contested by the legal parent.
Our attorneys represent the stepparents, birth parents or children (if older than 10 years of age in Maryland or 14 years of age in Virginia and the District of Columbia) in adoptions. They have each handled cases where the biological parent refuses to participate in the case or objects (making it a contested adoption) as well as consensual adoption cases.
Contact us to learn how to adopt a stepchild in the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia.
Make your important parent-child relationship legally official.
WHOSE CONSENT IS NEEDED FOR A STEPPARENT ADOPTION?
Stepparent adoptions have significant emotional value for everyone involved as well as legal benefits. However, if you’re considering an adoption, you may have some questions about moving forward.
IF I HAVE SOLE CUSTODY, CAN MY NEW SPOUSE ADOPT MY CHILD?
If you've married someone who is not the biological parent of your child, your new spouse can legally adopt your child.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CUSTODY AND PARENTAL RIGHTS?
Custody and parental rights are two different things. And they legally affect you and your child in different ways.
STEP-PARENT ADOPTION
"The law firm represented my step-dad to legally adopt me. They informed me of all details for the adoption procedures and made certain that it was completely my choice. I felt very good that she was our lawyer. I was glad she told us in advance to bring a camera to take pictures with the judge. The firm was very personal and it was a happy day for me. I now have the same last name as my family with many thanks." -Vivi
“We believe in working with each of our clients—in support of their family dynamic—to make the dreams of parenthood a reality. Whether you are single or married; or gay; a step-parent, a surrogate or intended parent or a child of adoption, it is my mission to serve as your advocate. With a dedication to the ethical and sensitive nature of each situation, we will help you understand the laws within Maryland or Washington, DC for adoption or surrogacy, and pledge to be your partner throughout the journey.”
- Modern Family Formation