Step-Parent Adoption

Step-parent adoption is a legal process whereby a step-parent becomes the official parent of their partner’s child, gaining the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. This typically occurs when one parent is no longer in the picture, often due to divorce, death, or abandonment. The step-parent must usually obtain consent from the other biological parent, unless their rights have been terminated. Step-parent adoption can help solidify family bonds, ensuring the child has a stable and permanent family environment, enhancing emotional security and legal recognition of the step-parent's role in the child’s life.