Stepchild Adoption – How to Go about It

Marrying someone who already has a child or children is a difficult endeavor, but it is an undertaking that opens a world of possibilities. If you are willing to go all the way with it, one step of doing so is by stepchild adoption. It is a serious step but if done well, it can definitely make the family bond more than you could ever know. The process is also easier than the usual adoption procedure.

Here are the steps for stepchild adoption

1. Carefully examine yourself if you really want to adopt your stepchild. The only reason you should do so is that you love him or her well enough to make him or her your own. If you have motives opposing that, then stepchild adoption may not be a good idea.

2. Have a heart-to-heart talk with your stepchild to know if he or she also wants you to take the place of the estranged parent. The decision should be mutual since getting a new parent is a phenomenally serious endeavor as well as getting a new child.

3. Talk to your spouse and inform him or her of your intention. The child basically is his or hers and therefore your spouse has every right to say something about the adoption.

4. Have in mind the parent you are replacing. It would be best if that parent would consent to the adoption especially if he or she remains in contact with the child. This is important to avoid conflicts. Also, you won't be able to adopt without the formal consent of the biological parent unless the parent is deceased or the child is proclaimed abandoned by the government.

5. Abandonment is defined differently depending on the state. You should make sure that your case meets the corresponding definition if you are planning to declare the child’s abandonment.

6. Hire a lawyer. Legal advice from a professional is highly important for stepchild adoption.

7. Be ready for the sudden progress in the adoption process since stepchild adoption is usually quicker than normal adoption.

8. Consider getting counseling services for you, your stepchild and your spouse. Many issues are involved in adoption and professional help can definitely make the endeavor easier to accept.

9. Study all the legal matters that involve the adoption. You are going to be a new parent and you should be responsible in every aspect.

Stepchild adoption is a serious matter that should be carefully considered. But it can definitely be worth it for the right reasons.