Step-Parent Adoption Attorneys

FAQs for Birth Parents

What is “consent to adoption”? Because the rights of the birth parents are not terminated in a step-parent adoption, the birth parent or parents must give their consent. In giving their consent, the birth parents are allowing for the step-parent to adopt the child and therefore gain legal rights and responsibilities as a parent.

What happens if I consent, but my child’s other birth parent does not consent to a step-parent adoption? If your spouse is the one seeking to adopt your child, you may be happy about the idea. However, your ex may not wish to give his or her consent. If you are the custodial parent, there may be ways around this, wherein your spouse can still adopt your child. It is important to talk to an adoption attorney about your unique situation in this regard in order to determine what rights you have and what you can do to go through with the adoption even without the other birth parent’s consent.

What are some benefits to a step-parent adoption? In adopting your child, your spouse will be granted both rights and responsibility as a parent. Should anything happen to you, you can be certain that your child is where you want him or her to be. A step-parent adoption is often just the legal seal that finalizes all the parenting your spouse has done anyway and confirms your spouse’s desire to truly be your child’s father or mother. This adoption can bring your family even closer together, emotionally and in the eyes of the law.

Is this process more complicated than other types of adoption? Usually a step-parent adoption is actually simpler than other forms of adoption. This is due to the fact that the birth parents’ rights do not need to be terminated.

Will my rights as the birth parent be terminated? No. You will still retain your rights as a birth parent, even if your spouse successfully adopts your child.

Interested in adoption in Santa Clarita Valley or San Fernando Valley? We have convenient offices in Valencia, Burbank, Encino or Agoura Hills. Contact a step-parent adoption lawyer at Cutter & Lax today for a free consultation.