Stepparent adoption
Stepparent adoption, from consent to a new birth certificate
A stepparent who already does the school runs can become a legal parent. With the other parent’s consent, it’s mostly paperwork, done carefully.
The fee is flat, through the final hearing. It covers the petition, the consent papers, arranging the home study and background check, and asking for the new birth certificate.
If the other parent refuses consent and their rights have to be ended by the court, that’s a contested case, quoted separately.
In the adoption fee
Petition and consent papers drafted
The home study and background check arranged
The final hearing, by video where the court allows
The request for a new birth certificate
How a stepparent adoption runs
The home study and the background check usually take the longest.
- 01
Step 1: The consult
We confirm the other parent will consent and how old the child is.
- 02
Step 2: Consents and petition
We draft the consent, have it signed properly and file the petition.
- 03
Step 3: Home study
A social worker visits your home; we arrange it and send the report to the court.
- 04
Step 4: The hearing
The judge signs the adoption order and we request the new birth certificate.
Questions about adoption
Does the child have to agree?
An older child may need to consent too. We tell you the age that applies on the first call.
What if we can’t find the other parent?
The court has steps for notice when a parent can’t be found. They take longer and we quote them before starting.
Does the child’s last name change?
It can, in the same order. Tell us at the consult and we’ll include it.
Ask whether your family can start now
We’ll ask about consent and the child’s age, then give you the fee.