Adoption
Stepparent adoption, from consent to hearing
You already act as a parent. Adoption makes it official: the same rights and responsibilities in the eyes of the law, and a bond that lasts.
The other parent's consent, or a court finding that it isn't needed, is the heart of the case. We prepare the consent forms, any required notices, the home and background steps and the hearing.
Inside the fixed fee
Consent forms for the other legal parent
Required notices, if a parent can't be reached
The home visit and background steps, explained and scheduled
The petition and every supporting form
Preparing your family for a short hearing
The other parent
Three situations, three paths
What happens next depends mostly on the other legal parent. We tell you which path you're on.
- 01
The other parent agrees
The simplest path: a signed consent, a short review and a hearing.
- 02
The other parent can't be found
The court needs proof that a real search was made. We document it step by step.
- 03
The other parent objects
This becomes a contested matter, priced separately. We explain what the court weighs before you decide.
What stepparents ask
Does the child have to attend the hearing?
Usually, yes, and most families find it short and warm. We prepare you both for what the judge will ask.
What if the other parent lives abroad?
Often it can still be done. Consent can sometimes be signed abroad, and the court will want to see how it was witnessed. We plan the steps with you.
Does adoption end child support?
The other parent's rights and duties end when the adoption is granted, including support going forward. Support already owed is a separate question we review with you.
Begin with the consent
Tell us who the other legal parent is and where they live. We'll lay out the path and the fee.