CONTACT US

ADOPTION & ART ATTORNEYS IN MARYLAND, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA & VIRGINIA

ADOPTION & ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY (ART) ATTORNEYS

    Can I Surprise My Steparent With an Adoption of Me?

    Mar 07, 2019

    It is a natural inclination of many children to desire to be adopted by their stepparent. In many cases, a stepchild would like to surprise their stepparent after going ahead on their own to get the ball rolling. While such a heartwarming gesture is a lovely idea, the laws regarding step parent adoption do not accommodate it.


    HOW THE PROCESS WORKS

    A stepparent adoption is an independent, or private, adoption that begins when the parties already know one another. It is important to note, you will need an experienced adoption attorney to facilitate the legalities and make sure that all the required steps are taken to comply with the adoption laws of your state.


    TYPES OF STEPPARENT ADOPTIONS

    Depending on your age and your stepparent's marital status, there are three different possible processes to facilitate a stepparent adoption:


    Adult Adoption

    If you are 18 years or older when your stepparent chooses to adopt you, this is the type of adoption proceeding that must be filed.


    Second Parent Adoption 

    If your stepparent is in a relationship with, but not married to, your biological parent, or if your stepparent and your biological parent are a same-sex couple, second parent adoption paperwork must be filed.


    Steparent Adoption 

    If your stepparent is married to your biological parent, this is what is known as a stepparent adoption.


    THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, MARYLAND, AND VIRGINIA

    While there are variances in the specific adoption laws in each state, the general process is the same. Your stepparent is required to do the following:


    1. Get consent from the noncustodial, biological parent, or if unable to do so, request that his or her parental rights are terminated.

    2. File an adoption petition with the court.

    3. File remaining paperwork with the court.

    4. Official parental rights will be granted by a judge at a finalization hearing.

    5. File for a new birth certificate that has the new adoptive parent's name on it.

    6. If you both desire, file to have your last name changed to your newly adoptive parent's.


    BENEFITS OF BEING ADOPTED BY YOUR STEPPARENT

    While having your stepparent formally adopt you is an endearing sentimental journey for you to cherish, there are also several practical aspects to it as well:


    - In the event of an emergency, you may access one another's medical records and make important decisions for one another.

    - You can be included in their will.

    - You can benefit from their social security benefits.


    AN EMOTIONAL REPRESENTATION OF YOUR LOVE

    While you cannot legally surprise your stepparent with the actual adoption, you can certainly make approaching the subject a special occasion. Pick out a beautiful card, serve a professionally decorated cake, or take your stepparent out to dinner.


    Perhaps there is a special activity that the two of you have always enjoyed doing together, and you may decide to talk to your stepparent about the idea then. Whatever you decide, it can still be the best surprise of your stepparent's life.

    adoption after pregnancy loss
    14 Feb, 2024
    After a period of reflection, many expectant parents consider adoption after pregnancy loss. An adoption attorney can help.
    13 Apr, 2023
    When they want to grow their family, many aspiring parents use a surrogate. A surrogate carries a baby to term on behalf of the parents. Upon birth, paperwork is filed to transfer all rights to the parents.
    by Jennifer Fairfax 23 Mar, 2023
    Wondering about parental rights?
    by Jennifer Fairfax 08 Mar, 2023
    Are you wondering about gender in adoption? Gender in adoption is an interesting and sometimes complicated topic any aspiring adoptive parent should know a little bit about.
    by Jennifer Fairfax 23 Feb, 2023
    Each year, about 135,000 children are adopted in the United States. A significant portion of these have some form of special need. Special needs can arise for many different reasons not limited to disability. Whatever the case, special needs children often require exceptional care, and that can be costly.
    by Jennifer Fairfax 09 Feb, 2023
    When you are using the help of a surrogate to grow your family, having a good relationship is key. Most surrogates are retained through a private service that makes introductions between surrogates and the prospective parents. There may be several rounds of interviews to get to know each other.
    by Jennifer Fairfax 24 Jan, 2023
    A surrogacy arrangement describes any legal arrangement where a surrogate mother carries a pregnancy on behalf of an intended parent or parents. Surrogacy can take many different forms.
    by Jennifer Fairfax 10 Jan, 2023
    You may have prepared for this moment for months or even years. But getting the call that it’s time to pick up your newborn can still come as a surprise. You may have only a few hours of notice before you need to get moving. Even if the drive is short, it can feel like the most important trip of your life!
    by Jennifer Fairfax 20 Dec, 2022
    A known sperm donor agreement (“KspDA”) is used when prospective parents want to make an agreement with a person known to them for sperm donation services. Sperm donation helps parents conceive in any case where the male partner is infertile or among same-sex female couples.
    by Jennifer Fairfax 06 Dec, 2022
    It’s often assumed that when it comes to matters of family planning, fathers have few rights. However, this is not the case. In all U.S. states and territories, the law spells out the rights of a child’s biological father, also called the birth father. This remains true in cases of adoption.
    More posts
    Share by: