Stepparents often feel a sense of responsibility for their stepchildren. Living together leads to involvement in their daily lives. It is also natural for a stepparent to help cover basic expenses for their stepchildren.
The connection that a stepparent has with their stepchildren can be deep and meaningful. In many cases, stepparents actively step up when biological parents are not actively involved with their children. Particularly in scenarios where the other biological parent of a stepchild does not provide financial support or make use of their visitation rights, the connection between a stepparent and a stepchild can be important for the child’s well-being.
Stepparents sometimes decide to protect their relationship by adopting their stepchildren. Provided that they have the support of their spouses, they can petition the courts to acknowledge them as the adoptive parents of their stepchildren. However, there is a challenging requirement that stepparents have to fulfill to adopt their stepchildren in most cases.
The other parent has to approve the adoption
The law generally allows for two people to have parental rights and responsibilities for a specific child. A stepparent doesn’t just need the permission of this spouse to adopt their stepchild. They also need the consent of the other parent.
Unless the state has already terminated the rights of the stepchild’s other parent, the stepparent must communicate with the parent and ask them to give up their parental rights. Uninvolved parents may sometimes voluntarily sign documents terminating their parental rights and responsibilities to allow a stepparent adoption.
The benefits of a stepparent adoption can sometimes inspire parents to make a personal sacrifice for the benefit of their children. In other cases, the end of child support obligations can be enough to motivate a parent to sign.
If they do not voluntarily agree to the adoption, then the stepparent may have to petition the courts to review the case. Judges may determine that the stepparent adoption is in the best interest of the child.
The courts do have the authority to terminate parental rights and responsibilities of parents if doing so is beneficial for the children. Stepparents hoping to adopt may need to present evidence about the lack of involvement or other issues that could influence a judge’s opinion of the situation.
Pursuing a stepparent adoption can be a worthwhile and rewarding endeavor. Stepparents may need help navigating the complex family law process required to become parents recognized by the state, however, and that’s okay.