Thankful for Forever Families: A Thanksgiving Message to Stepparent & Adult Adoption Families

Uncategorized
27
Nov 2025

Thankful for Forever

Families Through Adoption

Today we’re thankful for one beautiful gift

above all: the chance to spend this day together

as a forever family.

  • ●Adopt for $325 plus court costs.
  • ●25,000+ families successfully completed their adoptions.
  • ●Stepparent and Adult adoptions finalize fast.
  • ●We guide you step-by-step.
  •  

START YOUR ADOPTION!

 

Happy ThanKSGIVING.

Why Thanksgiving Feels Different in Blended Families

For many people, Thanksgiving is about turkey, pie, and football. For stepparent and adult adoption families, it often means something deeper. It’s the day you look around the table and realize, “We chose each other. We did the hard work. This is our forever family.”

Remembering the First Holiday as a Family

Many families tell us they remember the first Thanksgiving where a stepparent quietly became “mom” or “dad” in everyday life — long before the paperwork caught up.

Navigating Complicated Feelings

Holidays can stir up emotions about an absent parent, family history, and what “official” really means. It’s normal to feel both gratitude and grief at the same table.

Looking Ahead to a “No More Step” Thanksgiving

For others, this year’s Thanksgiving is a turning point. You’re thinking about adoption now so that next year, the names at the table match the names on the birth certificate.

What Stepparent & Adult Adoption Families Are Thankful For

When families reach out after their adoption is finalized, they rarely talk about paperwork. They talk about moments that changed their lives.

“Hearing the judge say ‘Adoption granted’ was the moment my child stopped being my stepchild and simply became my son.”

  • Hearing the judge say “Adoption granted.” That one sentence turns years of showing up into legal recognition of what you’ve already been doing as a parent.
  • Seeing a new birth certificate. Two parents’ names, one last name, one official record of the family you’ve been in your hearts all along.
  • Knowing their child is protected. Adoption brings legal security for inheritance, medical decisions, school records, and more.
  • Watching a child relax into belonging. Kids notice when adults make sacrifices for them. Adoption says, “You matter enough for us to make this permanent.”

If you’re still thinking about adoption, this Thanksgiving is a gentle time to ask, “What would it mean for our child if we made this bond legal?”

If You’re Still in the Paperwork Stage

Maybe your adoption isn’t finalized yet. Maybe you haven’t started because you’re worried about cost, consent, or making a mistake. That’s exactly why our program exists.

Common Worries We Hear

  • “Will this cost thousands in attorney fees?”
  • “Can we adopt without the other parent’s consent?”
  • “What if we fill out the forms wrong?”
  • “Our situation is complicated. Is it even possible?”

What Our $325 Program Includes

  • State- and county-specific documents tailored to your situation.
  • Usually prepared within about 24 hours after your questionnaire.
  • Step-by-step written instructions for filing and next steps.
  • Forms for consents, abandonment, publication, and name change (where applicable).
  • Ongoing email and phone support plus a 100% court-acceptance guarantee.

You handle the local steps — like filing, background checks, and attending the final hearing. We handle the documents and guidance so you’re never left guessing.

A Thanksgiving Note to Stepparents and Adult Adoptees

Thanksgiving is a natural time to slow down and recognize the people who changed our lives. If you’re a stepparent or adult adoptee, this may be your moment to make things official.

To Stepparents

  • Showing up at school events and doctor visits is parenting.
  • Staying through the hard days is parenting.
  • Wanting to give your child legal security is parenting, too.

Adoption doesn’t erase the past, but it does give your child legal and emotional stability — and it gives you the rights you’ve already earned in daily life.

To Adult Adoptees

  • You can honor the parent–child bond you already live every day.
  • You can secure inheritance and next-of-kin rights that reflect your real family.
  • You can choose to update your last name or keep it the same.

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish the law saw us the way we see ourselves,” adult adoption may be your next chapter.

Ready to Make This the Thanksgiving You Become Official?

If this Thanksgiving has you thinking, “It’s time,” we’re here to help. We’ll prepare your court-ready documents, walk you through each step, and support you all the way to your final decree, whether you’re adopting a minor stepchild or completing an adult adoption.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Have questions before you begin? Call (800) 878-2109 or email adoption@legalforms360.com. We’re honored to help make your forever family official.

Important notice: We are a document-preparation service, not a law firm. This Thanksgiving blog is general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Adoption laws differ from state to state, so you should always confirm the specific requirements in your state or consult with a licensed attorney if you have questions about your situation.

Read More
75 View

Adopt Stepchild Without Fathers Consent

Stepparent Adoption
15
Nov 2025

Yes—You Can Adopt Without the Father’s Consent

Most of our families do. When state-law grounds are met, judges approve the adoption—even without his signature.

In the majority of the 25,000+ adoptions we’ve helped with, courts have granted the adoption
without a signed consent from the father. States allow this when you prove legal grounds such as abandonment,
failure to support, or when he cannot be located

We prepare state-specific, court-ready documents and give you
step-by-step instructions so you can finish your stepparent or adult adoption without paying
thousands to an attorney.

$325 flat fee • 25,000+ families • Court-acceptance guarantee

Choose Your Adoption Path

Whether you’re adopting a stepchild or completing an adult adoption, our
$325 flat-fee packet is designed for families who need to proceed without the father’s consent when state-law grounds are met.

Stepparent Adoption

$325
one-time fee

Includes one child. Each additional child is just $95.

  • All court-required forms for your state
  • Prepared and reviewed by adoption specialists
  • Step-by-step filing instructions
  • Phone & email support through your case
  • 100% court-acceptance & money-back guarantee

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Adult Adoption

$325
one-time fee

One simple price for an adult adoptee. No consent needed from the other biological parent.

  • All court-required adult adoption forms
  • Customized to your state and situation
  • Clear filing and hearing instructions
  • Phone & email support from our team
  • 100% court-acceptance guarantee

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Not sure which path is right for you? Our team can help you decide whether a stepparent or adult adoption is the best fit.

Why Courts Approve Adoptions Without the Father’s Consent

Judges don’t approve adoptions based on how they “feel” about your case. They are bound by state adoption statutes.
In many states, courts may grant a stepparent or adult adoption without the father’s consent when specific legal grounds are proven and proper notice is given.

When your filing clearly shows that a statutory ground exists (such as abandonment, failure to support, or the father cannot be located after a diligent search), the court can terminate parental rights and move forward with the adoption even if the father refuses to sign—or cannot be found.

This page is general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Adoption laws differ from state to state,
so you should always confirm the specific requirements where you live.

Two Real-World Paths We See Most Often

Here’s how most families we help are able to adopt without the father’s consent—and how our packet guides them through it.

1) No Contact & No Support

In many states, when a father has made little or no effort to support or contact the child for the statutory period, the court can find abandonment or failure to support. Your packet helps you:

  • Lay out a clear timeline of contact (or lack of contact)
  • Explain any history with child support or missed payments
  • Show who has actually been parenting the child day-to-day

Courts use these facts, together with your state’s statute, to decide whether the legal ground for termination has been met.

2) You Can’t Locate the Father

When you genuinely don’t know where the father is, most states require a diligent search before
allowing notice by publication or other alternate service. Our packet includes:

  • A Diligent Search Checklist (last known addresses, USPS forwarding, online directory checks, etc.)
  • Guidance on contacting relatives and other possible sources of information
  • An Affidavit of Diligent Search for you to sign and file

If your state allows publication or alternate notice, we show how to complete that step so the court can move forward even when the father doesn’t respond.

How Long Does It Take—and Do You Need an Attorney?

How long does the process usually take?

Most stepparent adoptions our customers file are finalized in about three months after filing.
Adult adoptions often complete in two to six weeks. Timing depends on:

  • How quickly your court schedules hearings
  • Whether you need publication or alternate service
  • Any additional local requirements (such as background checks)

Do you need an attorney to adopt without consent?

The families we help typically complete their adoption without hiring an attorney. Your packet includes:

  • All required adoption and termination-of-rights forms for your state
  • Plain-English instructions and filing checklists for each step
  • Guidance on common issues the court may ask about

If you want legal advice about your chances or a contested situation, you can always consult a local attorney. Many families still use our packet to save time and reduce legal fees, even when they choose to speak with counsel.

What We Do for You (So You Don’t Have to Guess)

Our job is to make the paperwork and court steps as simple and predictable as possible. For $325, your
adoption packet includes:

Court-Ready Documents

  • State-specific, court-ready forms auto-filled from your answers
  • Petitions, consents, and termination documents where appropriate
  • Language for name changes and new birth certificates where allowed

Grounds & Diligent Search Support

  • Guidance tied to your state’s statutes and common grounds
  • Diligent Search Checklist and affidavit templates when the father can’t be located
  • Packet order that highlights the facts judges care about most

Step-by-Step Help & Guarantee

  • Filing checklists from start through the hearing
  • Friendly support if the court asks for changes or clarifications
  • Court-acceptance guarantee on documents we prepare based on the information you provide

Over 25,000 families have used our program to complete stepparent and adult adoptions—many of them
in situations where the father did not sign consent.

Ready to Start Your Adoption Without the Father’s Consent?

You don’t have to guess, and you don’t have to spend $5,000+ on legal fees. Our flat-fee
$325 adoption packet gives you the forms, instructions, and support you need to file with confidence.

Join thousands of families who have successfully completed their stepparent or adult adoption—even when the biological
father did not sign.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Prefer to talk first? Call us at (800) 878-2109.

We are a document-preparation service, not a law firm. This page is general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice.

Read More
208 View

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Stepchild?

Blog
12
Nov 2025

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Stepchild?
Just $325 + Court Costs

It is probably much more affordable than you think.

Court-ready, state-specific packets prepared by specialists.
25,000+ families helped – ALL FOR $325 + court costs.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Call (800) 878-2109
25,000+ families • 25 years • Court-Acceptance Guarantee



Cost for stepparent adoption

Simple, Transparent Pricing

One flat fee. Everything included. Save thousands compared to hiring an attorney.

Most Popular

Stepparent Adoption

$325
one-time fee

Includes one child. Each additional child is just $95.

  • All court-required forms for your state
  • Prepared and reviewed by adoption specialists
  • Step-by-step filing instructions
  • Phone & email support through your case
  • 100% court-acceptance & money-back guarantee

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Adult Adoption

$325
one-time fee

One simple price for an adult adoptee. No consent needed from the other biological parent.

  • All court-required adult adoption forms
  • Customized to your state and situation
  • Clear filing and hearing instructions
  • Phone & email support from our team
  • 100% court-acceptance guarantee

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Compare to traditional attorney fees:
Many families are quoted $3,500–$6,000+ for a straightforward stepparent adoption, plus court costs.
Save $4,000+ on average vs. hiring an attorney.

Welcome to Your Affordable Adoption Journey

We have saved our customers over $100 million in lawyer fees. Over 25,000 families have successfully completed
their stepparent and adult adoptions with our help, each saving thousands over the average lawyer fee of $5,000.

Adopting your stepchild is a beautiful way to legally solidify your family bond, but many parents assume the process
is expensive and complicated. The good news is that stepparent adoption is often more affordable than you think—
especially when you use a low-cost service like StepparentAdoptionForms.com instead of hiring an attorney.

Rather than spending thousands of dollars in legal fees, you can complete your adoption for just
$325 plus court costs, saving your family both time and money.
Over 25,000 families have successfully completed their adoptions using our program for both
minor stepchildren and adult adoptions.


affordable stepchild adoption

Adopting a stepchild can be affordable for almost any family. With our flat-fee adoption packet, most families pay
$325 to us plus local court costs, and complete their adoption without paying thousands to an attorney.

On this page, we’ll walk through:

  • Why adoption costs vary so widely.
  • What you’ll actually pay with a $325 adoption packet.
  • How our service compares to hiring an attorney.
  • Real stories from families who used our program.
  • Common questions about cost, timing, and consent.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Why Adoption Costs Vary — and How to Save Big

Adopting a stepchild using an attorney can range from around $4,000 to well over $10,000, depending on your state, and the attorney you may choose. But there is an option for completing your stepchild adoption without these high costs!

Here’s a simple comparison of the typical costs families see with an attorney versus our flat-fee $325 adoption packet:

Expense Average Lawyer Cost With $325 Packet Your Savings
Legal Fees $4,000–6,000 $0 (DIY) $4,000–6,000
Court Filing Fees $0–400 Same $0
Home Study (if required) $0–750 Same $0
Background Checks $45–65 Same $0
Total $4,000–6,000 + Court $325 + Court Thousands!

Attorneys commonly charge between $4,000 and $6,000 for a straightforward stepparent adoption, while our
$325 packet is designed to handle the paperwork side smoothly so you can focus on your family.

What You’ll Actually Pay for a Stepparent Adoption

For most families using StepparentAdoptionForms.com, the total cost looks like this:

  • $325 – Our flat fee for your custom adoption packet (one child).
  • Court filing fees – Typically around $200–$400, depending on your county.
  • Background checks – Some states require fingerprinting or checks (often $45–65).
  • Home study (if required) – Many stepparent adoptions do not require a full home study, but if
    your state does, it may add several hundred dollars. This is the same whether you use an attorney or not.

Most of our customers tell us they spent $325 with us plus about $250 in court filing fees, and completed their
adoption without hiring an attorney.

Exact costs will depend on your state, your county, and whether your court requires additional reports or
investigations. If you call your local court clerk, they can usually tell you the filing fee for a stepparent
adoption in your area.

Real Families, Real Results

“The adoption forms were exactly what our county court needed. Finalized in under 3 months.”
— Ashley R., Ohio

“The judge complimented us on our adoption package. Couldn’t have done this without your company. Our family
thanks you. Phone support was fantastic.”
— Miguel T., New Mexico

“We were nervous about not having consent, but you let us know the adoption would be approved, and it was.
Everything went perfect.”
— Brittany & Cole, Texas

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a stepparent adoption typically cost?

Most families using our service spend $325 for our adoption packet plus county filing fees
(often around $250). Some states add a background check and/or home-study step, which can add several hundred
dollars to the process. Even with those costs, most families still save thousands compared to hiring an attorney.

Do I need the other parent’s consent?

Not always. Many of the adoptions we help families complete are done without the other parent’s consent. In many
states, if the other parent has abandoned the child (often defined as no meaningful contact or support for about
12 months, sometimes 6 months), their consent may not be required. The exact rules depend on your state, so you
should always check your state’s law or talk with a local attorney if you’re unsure.

How long does it take?

The adoptions our customers file typically take about three months to become finalized for minor
children. Adult adoptions are often faster and may be completed in as little as 2–6 weeks, depending
on your court’s schedule.

Can we change the child’s last name?

Yes. In fact, you can often change the entire name if you want. Many families choose to match the stepparent’s last
name at the same time the adoption is finalized.

Are you a law firm?

No. We are a document-preparation service (similar to a paralegal service) that prepares the legal documents for
your adoption and helps guide you through the process, so that you can complete the adoption without having to pay
thousands to an attorney. We do not give legal advice or represent you in court.

How Our $325 Packet Makes It Simple

For just $325, you receive a complete adoption packet tailored to your state and situation:

  • Custom legal documents: State-specific forms, including petitions and termination documents if needed.
  • Step-by-step guidance: Clear instructions so you can file with confidence.
  • Expert support: Our team stays with you until your adoption is finalized.
  • Updates and help: Assistance with document tweaks if your court requests changes.

No lawyer hassle, no hidden fees—just a clear path to adoption that has worked for thousands of families.

Why Choose StepparentAdoptionForms.com?

For over 25 years, we’ve been a trusted resource for affordable, reliable stepparent and adult adoptions.
Our track record—$100 million in legal-fee savings for 25,000+ families—speaks for itself. Unlike
sites that only sell blank forms, we’re with you every step of the way, from your first question to the day your
adoption is final.

Adopting a stepchild is about love, not expense. With our $325 packet, you can save thousands compared
to attorneys and still give your child the security of a permanent legal parent.

adoption forms for stepparent adoption

Start Your Stepparent Adoption

Join thousands of families who have successfully completed their stepparent adoption.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Start Your Adult Adoption

Let us help you unify your family. Click the button below to start your adult adoption.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

We are here to guide you every step of the way.

Read More
4828 View

We’re So Proud: Saving Families $100 Million+ in Legal Fees for Stepparent Adoptions

Blog, Stepparent Adoption
05
Nov 2025

Saving Families 100 Million + in Legal Fees for Stepparent Adoption!

Court-ready, state-specific packets prepared by specialists.
25,000+ families helped.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Call (800) 878-2109
25,000+ families • 25 years • Court-Acceptance Guarantee



 

Saving Families $100 Million+ in Legal Fees – Making Adoption Affordable!

Save $4,675 vs. typical attorney fees—make your stepparent adoption official for $325! Can I just take a moment to share something that’s got our whole team at StepparentAdoptionForms.com beaming with pride? Over the past 24 years, we’ve helped nearly 25,000 families make their stepparent adoptions official, and in doing so, we’ve saved them an estimated $100 million in legal fees. That’s not just a number—it’s thousands of families who got to build their forever home without breaking the bank. We want to let everyone know why this means so much to all of us, and why it may hit home for you too. Have questions: call us at 800-878-2109.

“The Judge said our documents were better than what he sees from most adoption lawyers.“

Breaking Down the Cost Barrier for Stepparents

Picture this: You’re a stepparent, pouring your heart into raising a child who feels like your own child – in every way. You’re ready to make it legal, to give them the security of aaffordable stepparent adoption permanent family bond. But then you hear the quotes from attorneys—$2,500, $5,000, sometimes even $10,000 if things get tricky. For so many families we’ve talked to, those numbers aren’t just daunting; they’re a wall that stops the dream dead in its tracks. We’ve heard stories from parents who thought, “We’d love to adopt, but we just can’t swing that kind of cash.” That’s where we come in, and it’s why we’re so darn proud of what we do.

Affordable Adoptions with a $325 Solution

Since 2001, we’ve been offering court-ready adoption packets for $325—yep, that’s it. No hidden fees, just everything you need to navigate the process, tailored to your state. Those 25,000 families? They’ve used our forms to skip the hefty attorney bills and still get that judge’s signature, making their family official. If you do the math (and we did, trust me), that’s about $4,675 saved per family compared to the average $5,000 attorney fee for a straightforward adoption. Add it all up, and it’s over $100 million in savings. That’s money staying in families’ pockets—maybe for a college fund, or a family vacation.

Turning Dreams into Reality for Families

Saving money with stepparent adoptionBut here’s what really gets us: For so many of these families, our packets didn’t just save money—they made stepparent adoption possible. We’ve heard from parents who said, “Without you, we couldn’t have done this. It was us or nothing.” That’s the heart of it—helping kids get the stable, loving home they deserve, with a stepparent who’s all in. Every time we hear a story about a child’s face lighting up when the adoption’s final or a family celebrating their new normal, it’s like we’re right there cheering with them.

At StepparentAdoptionForms.com, we’re not just about forms; we’re about making dreams doable. Our packets are built to be simple, court-approved, and trusted by over 25,000 families (and counting!). They’ve saved folks thousands compared to lawyer fees, and they’ve opened doors for families who thought adoption was out of reach. We’re so proud to be part of those stories, helping kids grow up with the security of a forever family.

Empowering Forever Families with Simple Tools

If you’re thinking about adoption but worried about the cost, let’s make it happen together. Head over to our site, complete our online questionnaire, and take that first step toward your family’s big moment. Got questions or just want to share your story? Give us a call—we’re here, ready to root for you.

adoption forms for stepparent adoption

Start your Adoption Now!

Join thousands of families who have successfully completed their stepparent adoption.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Call us today at (800) 878-2109.

Read More
1143 View

Stepchild-adoption-christmas

Blog, Stepparent Adoption
03
Nov 2025

Stepchild Adoption — A Christmas Gift That Lasts a Lifetime!

Court-ready, state-specific packets prepared by specialists.
25,000+ families helped.

START YOUR ADOPTION!
Call (800) 878-2109
25,000+ families • 25 years • Court-Acceptance Guarantee
Stepchild adoption for Christmas

Unwrap the Joy of the Ultimate Christmas Gift: A Forever Family Awaits!

This Christmas, toss aside the usual gifts of toys and gadgets—imagine presenting the most heartwarming present of all: a forever family! As a stepparent pouring love into your partner’s child, a stepparent adoption can turn your holiday dreams into reality, creating a home brimming with love and laughter. At StepparentAdoptionForms.com, we’ve helped over 25,000 families save an incredible $100 million in legal fees—your chance to shine this season is here!

A Gift That Warms Every Heart

Close your eyes and picture it: a holiday free from the weight of $5,000 attorney fees, replaced with the pure joy of a legally united family. For just $325, our court-ready packets offer tailored forms and clear guidance, making the process a breeze. Take Sarah from Colorado—last year, she saved $4,600 and watched her stepdaughter’s face light up at the court signing, a memory she treasures as her best Christmas ever! This isn’t just paperwork; it’s the foundation of a home where every hug feels like home, every laugh echoes with belonging.

Make This Holiday a Family Milestone

Getting started is as simple as filling out our easy online questionnaire—let us walk you through with excitement and support. Save up to $4,675 compared to lawyer costs, and use that for a dazzling family celebration under the tree! Since 2001, over 25,000 families have trusted us to build their dreams. This December, plan a magical reveal—think twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and the thrill of sharing this life-changing gift with your loved ones.

Your Forever Family Begins This Christmas

Ready to make this the most hopeful holiday yet? Dive into the magic at StepparentAdoptionForms.com today and start your journey to a lifetime of love. Got questions? Our friendly team is just a call away at 800-878-2109, ready to cheer you on as you build the home your heart’s been dreaming of!

adoption forms for stepparent adoption

Start your Stepparent Adoption

Join thousands of families who have successfully completed their stepparent adoption.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Call us today at (800) 878-2109!

Read More
331 View

Adult Adoption Christmas Gift

Adult Adoptions, Blog
03
Nov 2025

Adult Adoption — Gift the Miracle of Belonging this Christmas!

Court-ready, state-specific packets prepared by specialists.
25,000+ families helped.

START YOUR ADOPTION!
Call (800) 878-2109
25,000+ families • 25 years • Court-Acceptance Guarantee


Adult Adoption Documents

Adult Adoption – The Gift that lasts a lifetime!

Yes, we can make the greatest gift a reality. The gift of family unity by completing an adult adoption. All for less than a designer purse! A gift of true meaning that lasts a lift-time.

This holiday season, forget the predictable presents under the tree—the true miracle is the gift of belonging, a bond that shines brighter than any decoration. Adult adoption lets you legally embrace a chosen family member, whether it’s an older mentor or a dear friend, creating a home filled with love and legacy. At StepparentAdoptionForms.com, we have helped over 25,000 families complete their adoptions, which is a combined savings of over $100 million in legal fees—your story of hope and unity can begin this Christmas!

Celebrate a Lifelong Connection

Why let $5,000+ attorney fees dim your holiday spirit when our $325 adult adoption solution can light the way? Packed with professionally prepared state-specific forms and expert support, our solution offers legal clarity for inheritance or decisions, plus the joy of a forever bond. Families have told us that the moment of opening a gift with our adoption package would outshine every other gift. It’s the promise of a home where love knows no age, making every Christmas a celebration of togetherness.

Build Your Holiday Legacy

Click the button that says “State your Adoption”, and we’ll prepare your documents with care, guiding you to file with confidence. Save up to $4,675 compared to lawyers, and invest that in a future of shared traditions! Since 2001, over 25,000 families have turned to us, and now it’s your turn to create a hopeful new chapter. Plan a heartwarming reveal this Christmas—surround it with festive cheer and watch your family grow stronger.

Claim Your Christmas Miracle Today

Ready to give the best gift of all? Head to StepparentAdoptionForms.com now or call 800-878-2109 for support. Our team is here to turn your dream of a loving home into reality—let this holiday be the start of something beautiful!

adoption forms for stepparent adoption

Start your Adult Adoption

Let us help you unify your family. Click the button below to start your adult adoption.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Read More
126 View

Do I Need the Other Parent’s Consent for Stepparent Adoption?

Blog, Stepparent Adoption
27
Oct 2025

Adoption parent wont sign

Do I need the other parents’ consent to do a stepparent adoption?

Hey there, if you’re reading this, you’re probably in the middle of figuring out this whole stepparent adoption thing and let me just say—I get it. It’s exciting, a little scary, and full of those “what if” questions that keep you up at night. I’ve chatted with so many folks in your shoes, and the big one that always comes up is: Do I really need the other biological parent’s okay to make this happen? The answer is no, you don’t need the other parents’ consent. But it’s not that simple of an answer. Let’s break it down like we’re grabbing coffee and talking it through, no legal jargon overload.

Fact: Most adoptions we help families complete are done without the parents’ consent

Adopting your stepchildFirst off, in most cases, the other parent’s consent is usually not required for you to successfully complete your stepparent adoption. Most of the adoptions we do are completed without the other parents’ consent.  Why…well, usually it’s because they haven’t seen the other parent in years and have no idea where that parent is living.

What the court wants to do is whatever they believe is in the child’s best interest.  If the stepparent has been acting like the child’s parent, and the other parent has been absent, then the court wants to complete this adoption.  The laws are on your side.

Every State has laws which allow you to complete the adoption without the other parents’ consent, when he or she has abandoned the child. We’re talking about something called Termination of Parental Rights (or TPR for short). That’s basically the legal way of saying the court steps in and ends their parental role, opening the door for you to adopt.

When might TPR come into play? Well, if the other parent has abandoned the child—like no contact or support for a long time (often 6 months to a year, depending on your State of residence)—that’s a common ground. Or if there’s been abuse, neglect, substance issues, or they’re incarcerated and can’t be involved. I’ve heard stories from families where the bio parent just ghosted everyone, and the court agreed it was best to move forward without them. It’s not about punishing anyone; it’s about what’s best for the child and creating that stable family unit you all deserve.

What If I can’t locate the other parent? 

Now, what if you can’t even find the other parent? Life happens—people move, lose touch, whatever. In those situations, you don’t just give up. You do what’s called a “diligent search” and if you can’t find the other parent, the court will let you serve the parent by publication. That’s fancy talk for putting a legal ad in a newspaper where they might see it, giving them a chance to respond. If they don’t, the adoption can proceed.

Is this something I can do myself?

Here’s more great news:  You can do this without an attorney’s help. We have an amazing program and we make this whole process simple to complete. Tons of families navigate it every day, and the end result? That official stamp making your family whole—it’s worth it. At StepparentAdoptionForms.com, we’ve helped over 25,000 families just like yours with packets that are court-ready and super straightforward. Our forms include everything for TPR petitions, consent waivers, and even those publication notices, all tailored to your state. Judges love ’em because they’re accurate and save everyone time (and hey, they’ve saved families thousands compared to hiring a lawyer).

If this hits home and you’re ready to take the next step, head over to our site and start the process—it’s like having a roadmap that makes the process feel less like a maze and more like a straight path. Got questions? Give us a call or chat with us online; we’re here to help.

 

adoption forms for stepparent adoption

Start your Stepparent Adoption

Join thousands of families who have successfully completed their stepparent adoption.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Have questions? Give us a call at (800) 878-2109

Read More
942 View