START YOUR PENNSYLVANIA ADOPTION.
We make the adoption process in Pennsylvania simple, fast and affordable.
Pennsylvania Adoption - $325
Now you can complete your stepparent adoption or adult adoption in Pennsylvania without having to pay high attorney fees. We make it possible to file and your own adoption. We never sell "automated" adoption forms, only documents prepared by an experienced adoption specialist. Our experienced Pennsylvania adoption team will review your information and prepare adoption papers specifically for your situation.
- Adoption specialist for Pennsylvania handles your case.
- Every customer is backed by our 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee.
- We stay with you through the entire process, to help guide you through the Pennsylvania adoption process.
- Over 20 years experience filing adoptions in the Pennsylvania court system
- 100% Court acceptance in the Pennsylvania adoption/Probate Court.
- Fast Process. Submit your order today and file your adoption forms tomorrow.
Information on filing an adoption in Pennsylvania.
When we prepare your Pennsylvania adoption papers, we will include all the provisions specific to your situation. Documents we prepare for one family will be different than the documents for another family, because circumstances are different. We ensure that your adoption forms are ready to sign and file with the court in Pennsylvania. Whether you are filing a stepparent adoption or an adult adoption, we will be able to help you get your adoption finalized.
Pennsylvania Stepparent & Adult Adoptions: A Comprehensive Guide
With References to 23 Pa. C.S. § 2101 et seq.
If you’re considering a stepparent or adult adoption in Pennsylvania, familiarizing yourself with Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (23 Pa. C.S. §§ 2101–2910) will help you navigate the process smoothly. Below is an overview of key requirements, consent rules, and timelines for both stepparent and adult adoptions.
1. Residency Requirements
- Residency Duration: Pennsylvania statutes do not impose a strict residency duration, but 23 Pa. C.S. § 2302 generally requires that the adopting parent (or petitioner) and/or the adoptee have some connection to Pennsylvania (i.e., residing in the state). Courts typically expect clear proof of domicile or residence in the county where you file.
- Where to File: Adoption petitions are filed in the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where you or the adoptee resides (see 23 Pa. C.S. § 2301).
2. Stepparent Adoption in Pennsylvania
A stepparent adoption, governed by 23 Pa. C.S. § 2101 et seq., formally creates a legal parent-child relationship between the stepparent and child, usually terminating the absent parent’s rights if they have abandoned the child or cannot be located.
2.1. Consent of the Absent Parent
- General Rule: Under 23 Pa. C.S. § 2711, both legal (biological or adoptive) parents typically must consent to the adoption.
- Exception—Abandonment: If the absent parent has failed to maintain contact or provide support for at least 6 months immediately prior to filing, the court may consider this abandonment (see 23 Pa. C.S. § 2511(a)(1) for grounds to terminate parental rights). In such cases, the adoption can move forward without that parent’s consent.
- Unknown Whereabouts: You must perform a diligent search to locate the absent parent. If unsuccessful, the court may allow notice by publication before proceeding with an involuntary termination of parental rights.
2.2. Child’s Consent
- Children 12 and Older: According to 23 Pa. C.S. § 2711(a)(1), a child who is 12 years of age or older must generally consent in writing to the adoption unless the court finds reason to waive this requirement.
2.3. Timeline & Process
- File the Petition: Submit a Petition for Adoption in the Orphans’ Court Division of the county’s Court of Common Pleas.
- Termination of Parental Rights: If the absent parent has not voluntarily relinquished rights, you may need to file a petition to terminate parental rights under 23 Pa. C.S. §§ 2503–2504 (voluntary) or § 2511 (involuntary).
- Hearing: The court will schedule a hearing. If uncontested, these hearings are often brief. Stepparent adoptions in Pennsylvania typically finalize within 3–6 months, depending on court schedules.
- Decree of Adoption: Once granted, you’ll receive a Decree of Adoption from the court.
2.4. New Birth Certificate
After the final decree, you can request an amended birth certificate through the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. The new certificate will list the adoptive parent and reflect any name change for the child. The original birth record is sealed and only accessible by court order (see 23 Pa. C.S. § 2905).
3. Adult Adoption in Pennsylvania
Adult adoption in Pennsylvania is typically simpler, as it does not involve terminating another parent’s rights. It can be used to formalize a long-standing relationship or secure inheritance and other legal benefits.
3.1. Consent & Process
- Adult’s Consent: Under 23 Pa. C.S. § 2711(a)(2), the adult adoptee must voluntarily consent to the adoption. No consent is required from biological parents once the adoptee is over 18.
- Petition Filing: File a Petition for Adult Adoption in the Orphans’ Court Division of the county where either the adopter or adoptee resides.
3.2. Timeline
- Faster Completion: Adult adoptions generally finalize more quickly—often within 45–90 days—because there is no need to terminate another parent’s rights.
3.3. Legal Effects
- Name Change: The adult adoptee can opt for a new name in the adoption decree.
- New Birth Certificate: Upon request, the adoptee may obtain an amended birth certificate noting the adoptive parent’s name. Some adults choose not to alter their original record unless needed for specific legal reasons.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the absent parent remain responsible for child support after the adoption?
- Generally, once the adoption is finalized and the absent parent’s rights are terminated, their obligation to pay child support is also terminated.
- What if the absent parent contests the adoption?
- The court will hold a hearing to determine whether there are grounds (such as abandonment) to terminate the absent parent’s rights involuntarily under 23 Pa. C.S. § 2511. If proven, the adoption can proceed despite objections.
- Are home studies required for a stepparent adoption?
- Stepparent adoptions may be exempt from a full home study under 23 Pa. C.S. § 2535, though the court may still request a minimal investigation or background check to ensure the adoption is in the child’s best interests.
Start your Stepparent Adoption
Join thousands of families who have successfully completed their stepparent adoption.
Start your Adult Adoption
Let us help you unify your family. Click the button below to start your adult adoption.
Pennsylvania courts approve our adoption forms. You can file with confidence.
THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN PENNSYLVANIA
The court wants the child to have the unity and security of a two-parent home, and when the absent parent is not active in the child’s life, then the court will do the adoption without the consent of the other parent. If the other parent is willing to sign a consent, that will make the adoption easier, but if the absent parent has abandoned the child, then you can do the adoption without the father’s consent.
Pennsylvania Stepparent & Adult Adoption.
You no longer need to spend thousands on an attorney to complete your adoption. We give you the power to complete your own stepparent or adult adoption. We help you through all the stages of the adoption process, until the adoption is finalized and a new birth certificate is issued for the adoptee.
We understand what the courts need in Pennsylvania to finalized an adoption, and will make sure that you have everything you need to have your adoption successfully processed and finalized by the court.
To get started, click the buttons our site that says "Start your Adoption". This will take you to our questionnaire which provides our legal department the information needed to complete the legal documents for your Pennsylvania adoption.
FACT: The documents we prepare for your family will be different from what we prepare for another family. This is because the adoption forms are prepared specifically for your situation. This is why it is important to put in as much information as possible in our online questionnaire.
Once you submit your order, our team will prepare your Pennsylvania adoption forms and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court. Then our support department will stay with you through the entire adoption process.
COMPLETING AN ADOPTION IN PENNSYLVANIA
We have helped thousands of families successfully complete their adoptions. Whether it is a stepparent adoption or adult adoption, we can make it possible for you to complete your adoption without having to pay high attorney fees. No matter your situation, whether the father's identity is unknown, or any other issue, we will be able to help guide you through the adoption process in Pennsylvania.
Giving you the power to complete your adoption.
Courts understand that it is in the child's best interest to have two active and legal parents. When one parent is not active in the child's life, the court will do what is best for the child, and approve an adoption, with consent or proper grounds, upon the submission of the proper legal adoption documents.
We have seen every possible situation, and can help all of these families complete the adoption. Whether it is a surrogacy adoption, unknown father, multiple fathers, or deceased parents, we have the experience to help you complete your adoption - Guaranteed!
Don't let the high cost of an attorney stop you from completing your stepparent or adult adoption. You now have a legal and affordable means to complete your adoption and unite your family.
GET STARTED WITH YOUR PENNSYLVANIA ADOPTION
Our online questionnaire provides our legal department with the information we need to prepare you Pennsylvania adoption forms. Our experienced Pennsylvania adoption team will prepare your filing documents and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court.
SIMPLE 3-STEP PROCESS: Complete the questionnaire, then review and sign your Pennsylvania adoption forms, and file with the court. Our step-by-step instructions will help guide you through the process.
Court Experience
With more than 100,000 court document prepared over the past 20 years, we have the experience to make sure your Pennsylvania adoption papers are correct.
Low Cost-Only $325
Our Pennsylvania adoption department will make sure your documents are ready to file. We will prepare your document right - All for $325 (You will also have a court filing fee that you will pay later to the Court).
Court Guarantee
You can file with confidence, we back every customer with a 100% money-back court acceptance guarantee.
