Step-Parent Adoptions
Where a single parent marries, that parent’s child and their new spouse form a bond such that there is often a desire for the step-parent to adopt the child. This is especially true where the other biological parent is absent and has little contact with the child.
There is a process where the other biological parent's rights may be terminated so that the step-parent can adopt. When the other biological parent’s rights are terminated, that biological parent will no longer have any right to see or contact the child or have any further relationship with the child. A parent, whose rights are terminated, will also no longer have an obligation to pay child support. Inheritance rights, absent a Will, are also severed between the biological parent and the child.
After the rights of the other biological parent are terminated, the step-parent legally adopts the child and assumes all the rights and responsibilities of a natural parent. Usually the child’s last name is changed if a step-father is adopting. In blended family situations, these families often find that this process helps build a stronger family unit and bond, especially where the spouses have other children born to their marriage. We can assist you with the filing of the Termination of Parental Rights and the Step-Parent Adoption actions and pursue the matter to a conclusion. The other biological parent does have a right to contest the termination of the parental rights, but often times they will agree to the termination, especially if they have had a very limited relationship with the child.
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