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We make the adoption process in Delaware simple, fast and affordable.
Delaware Adoption - $325
Now you can complete your stepparent adoption or adult adoption in Delaware 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 Delaware adoption team will review your information and prepare adoption papers specifically for your situation.
- Adoption specialist for Delaware 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 Delaware adoption process.
- Over 20 years experience filing adoptions in the Delaware court system
- 100% Court acceptance in the Delaware adoption/Probate Court.
- Fast Process. Submit your order today and file your adoption forms tomorrow.
Information on filing an adoption in Delaware.
When we prepare your Delaware 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 Delaware. Whether you are filing a stepparent adoption or an adult adoption, we will be able to help you get your adoption finalized.
Delaware Stepparent & Adult Adoptions: A Comprehensive Guide
*With References to 13 Del. C. § 901 et seq. (“Adoption”) *
Navigating an adoption in Delaware—whether for a stepchild or an adult—can be straightforward once you understand Title 13, Chapter 9 of the Delaware Code (13 Del. C. §§ 901–980). Below is an overview of the key requirements, consent considerations, and procedures for both stepparent and adult adoptions in the First State.
1. Residency Requirements
- Residency Duration: Under 13 Del. C. § 915, at least one of the petitioners (adopting parents) or the child must reside in Delaware. While there isn’t a strict “six-month” residency rule, courts typically expect a demonstrable residence or domicile in the state.
- Where to File: Adoption petitions are generally filed in the Family Court for the county where the adoptee or adopting parent resides.
2. Stepparent Adoption in Delaware
A stepparent adoption legally establishes the adoptive parent as the child’s legal parent, typically terminating the rights of the absent parent if they have abandoned the child or are otherwise not exercising parental rights.
2.1. Consent of the Absent Parent
- General Rule: Under 13 Del. C. § 908, the consent of both legal parents is ordinarily required.
- Exception—Abandonment: If the absent parent has provided no financial support and no significant contact for 12 consecutive months (or another period set by the court), the court may consider this abandonment under 13 Del. C. § 1103, allowing termination of their parental rights without direct consent.
- Unknown Whereabouts: You must show a diligent search if the absent parent’s location is unknown. The court may then require notice by publication under 13 Del. C. § 913 before proceeding with the adoption.
2.2. Child’s Consent
- Children 14 and Older: Under 13 Del. C. § 909(a)(3), a child who is 14 years of age or older must consent in writing to the adoption, unless the Family Court finds reason to waive this requirement in the child’s best interests.
2.3. Timeline & Process
- File the Petition: Submit a Petition for Adoption to the Family Court in the appropriate county.
- Termination of Parental Rights: If the absent parent does not voluntarily relinquish rights, you may need to seek termination of parental rights under 13 Del. C. § 1101 et seq.
- Possible Investigation: The court or the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF) may conduct a brief investigation or background check (13 Del. C. § 912) to ensure the adoption is in the child’s best interest.
- Final Hearing: If uncontested, the hearing is typically brief. Stepparent adoptions in Delaware often finalize within 3–6 months, depending on court caseload and complexity.
- Decree of Adoption: Once the judge signs the adoption decree, the stepparent becomes the child’s legal parent.
2.4. New Birth Certificate
After entry of the Final Order of Adoption, you can request an amended birth certificate from the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics. The updated record will list the adoptive parent and any approved name change, while the original certificate is sealed and only accessible by court order (13 Del. C. § 919).
3. Adult Adoption in Delaware
Adult adoptions in Delaware typically require fewer legal steps since there is no need to terminate another parent’s rights. It’s commonly used to formalize a parent-child relationship that already exists in practice, or to secure inheritance and other legal benefits.
3.1. Consent & Process
- Adult’s Consent: As per 13 Del. C. § 901 et seq. (applied by analogy to adult adoptions), the adult adoptee’s voluntary consent is the primary requirement. No consent is needed from biological parents once the adoptee is over 18.
- Petition Filing: File a Petition for Adult Adoption in the Family Court of the county where either the adopter or the adoptee resides.
3.2. Timeline
- Faster Proceedings: Without the need for parental rights termination, adult adoptions usually finalize more quickly—often in 45–90 days—assuming all paperwork is in order and uncontested.
3.3. Legal Effects
- Name Change: The adult adoptee may request a name change as part of the adoption decree.
- Amended Birth Certificate: The adult adoptee can obtain an amended birth certificate listing the adoptive parent, though some choose not to alter their original record unless needed for legal or personal reasons.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the absent parent owe child support after the stepparent adoption is finalized?
- Generally, once the adoption is complete and parental rights are terminated, the absent parent’s child support obligations end, unless a separate court order states otherwise.
- What if the absent parent contests the adoption?
- If the absent parent appears and objects, the court will hold a hearing to evaluate whether grounds for termination of parental rights—such as abandonment—are met under 13 Del. C. § 1103. If abandonment is proven, the adoption can proceed despite objections.
- Is a home study required for stepparent adoptions in Delaware?
- Stepparent adoptions often require less extensive review than other types, but the court may order a limited investigation. Requirements can vary by case; 13 Del. C. § 912 allows for flexibility in the investigative process.
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THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN DELAWARE
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.
Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware 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 DELAWARE
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 Delaware.
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 DELAWARE ADOPTION
Our online questionnaire provides our legal department with the information we need to prepare you Delaware adoption forms. Our experienced Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware adoption papers are correct.
Low Cost-Only $325
Our Delaware 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).
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You can file with confidence, we back every customer with a 100% money-back court acceptance guarantee.
