Stepparent Adoptions in Southern California

Family Law Attorney for Adopting a Step-Child

For a stepparent, adopting a child you’ve already been taking care of, in many respects, is a wonderful and legal way to strengthen the bonds that already exist between you. However, for non-custodial parents, the possibility of a stepparent adoption is a drastic and frighteningly permanent act which results in the end of all parental rights.

At our firm, we are familiar with both sides of the stepparent adoption story.

We provide clients on either side of this issue with quality legal advice and representation, tailored to their specific situation and designed to accomplish their goals. To learn more about this process, your legal rights, and how our lawyers can help, call one of our Southern California office locations directly or contact us online.

Understanding the Complexities of Stepparent Adoptions

Uncontested stepparent adoptions usually occur in one of two contexts:

• In the first, the biological parent’s rights have been terminated or that parent is now deceased.
• In the second instance, there is consent from the non-custodial parent.

When an adoption with a non-custodial parent’s consent is approved, the biological parent no longer has any legal rights. In exchange, biological parents are often allowed to continue their relationships with the children.

Contested stepparent adoptions are more difficult to accomplish, as courts are reluctant to take away parental rights without justifiable grounds such as abandonment or abuse. Public policy dictates that the law ensures that children are provided with a stable home. If they do not already have one, then stepparent adoption is one way to try to achieve that. As with all cases involving children, the court tries to do what is in the best interest of the child.

Can I Fight a Stepparent Adoption?

Having your rights as a parent taken away can be a scary prospect. The good news is that if you are a good parent who is present in your child’s life, the court is more likely to be on your side. However, you may still have to face messy disputes and allegations against your ability to care for your child. If you are a parent who does not want to consent to the stepparent adoption, we can help ensure that your parental rights are protected and upheld.