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We make the adoption process in South Carolina simple, fast and affordable.
South Carolina Adoption - $325
Now you can complete your stepparent adoption or adult adoption in South Carolina 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 South Carolina adoption team will review your information and prepare adoption papers specifically for your situation.
- Adoption specialist for South Carolina 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 South Carolina adoption process.
- Over 20 years experience filing adoptions in the South Carolina court system
- 100% Court acceptance in the South Carolina adoption/Probate Court.
- Fast Process. Submit your order today and file your adoption forms tomorrow.
Information on filing an adoption in South Carolina.
When we prepare your South Carolina 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 South Carolina. Whether you are filing a stepparent adoption or an adult adoption, we will be able to help you get your adoption finalized.
South Carolina Stepparent & Adult Adoptions: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the adoption process in South Carolina can feel complex, but understanding the rules and requirements goes a long way in ensuring a smooth experience. Below is an overview of essential steps, legal guidelines, and timelines for both stepparent and adult adoptions in the Palmetto State.
1. Residency Requirements
- Residency Duration: You (the adopting parent) must have lived in South Carolina for at least six (6) months before filing your adoption petition.
- Where to File: Adoption petitions in South Carolina are generally filed in the Family Court (rather than a “Probate Court” as in some states) of the county where you reside. Always verify the correct court by consulting local rules or speaking with a court clerk.
2. Stepparent Adoption in South Carolina
A stepparent adoption legally establishes you as the child’s parent, granting you the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent and typically terminating the absent parent’s rights.
2.1. Consent of the Absent Parent
- General Requirement: Under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-9-310, consent from both parents is usually needed.
- Exception—Abandonment: According to S.C. Code Ann. § 63-7-2570, the absent parent’s consent can be bypassed if they have abandoned the child. Abandonment in South Carolina often means no significant contact or financial support for at least 6 months, including a failure to “willfully visit” or maintain a relationship with the child.
- Unknown Identity or Location: If the absent parent’s identity or whereabouts are unknown, the court will typically require a diligent search and possibly notice by publication. However, the adoption can still proceed once all statutory notice requirements are fulfilled.
2.2. Child’s Consent
- Children 14 and Older: Under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-9-310(A)(5), a child who is 14 years or older must consent to the adoption, usually by signing a formal document or stating their wishes in court.
2.3. Timeline & Procedure
- File the Adoption Petition: Submit your paperwork to the Family Court in your county.
- Notify Relevant Parties: Serve notice on the absent parent if possible. If not, use court-approved methods such as publication.
- Possible Hearing: A brief hearing may be scheduled to review consents and evidence of abandonment if applicable.
- Final Decree: Stepparent adoptions in South Carolina typically take around 3 months from start to finish, though timing can vary based on court schedules and whether any party contests.
2.4. New Birth Certificate
Once the stepparent adoption is granted, you can request a new birth certificate from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). It will list the adoptive parent’s name and include any approved name change for the child. The original birth record is then sealed and only accessible by a court order.
3. Adult Adoption in South Carolina
Adult adoption allows you to formalize an existing relationship with an adult adoptee, granting legal parent-child status along with associated rights such as inheritance.
3.1. Consent of the Adult Adoptee
- Since the adoptee is over 18, their consent is the only consent required; biological parents do not have a legal say in adult adoptions.
3.2. Timeline & Procedure
- File the Petition: Submit an adult adoption petition in the same court system (Family Court) where the adoptee or adoptive parent resides.
- No Waiting on Biological Parent Consent: This speeds up the process considerably.
- Finalization: Adult adoptions in South Carolina can often be finalized in 45–60 days once the necessary paperwork is in order.
3.3. Name Changes & Records
- Just like a child adoption, an amended birth certificate can be issued upon finalization if the adult adoptee requests it. This new certificate typically shows the adoptive parent’s name and any new name for the adoptee.
4. Common Questions & Considerations
- What if the absent parent contests the adoption?
- If the absent parent appears and opposes, the court will consider whether they have truly abandoned the child (no contact or support) or whether continued parental rights are in the best interest of the child.
- Do I need an attorney?
- While many stepparent and adult adoptions proceed smoothly with professionally prepared documents, consulting an experienced attorney is wise if you anticipate complications (e.g., a contested adoption or unclear parentage).
- Can the child’s last name be changed?
- Yes. Most stepparent adoptions include the option to legally change the child’s surname to match the family name, solidified within the final decree.
- Does the absent parent pay child support after the adoption?
- No. Once the adoption is finalized, the absent parent’s rights and responsibilities—such as child support—are usually terminated, unless otherwise ordered by the court.
5. How We Can Help
We specialize in preparing legally compliant, court-ready documents for both stepparent and adult adoptions in South Carolina. Our services aim to:
- Ensure Accuracy: We tailor each form to your specific situation, referencing relevant South Carolina statutes.
- Provide Clear Instructions: We guide you through filing, serving notice, and any required hearings, reducing stress and guesswork.
- Save Time & Money: Our efficient process often costs a fraction of traditional attorney’s fees while maintaining high-quality legal standards.
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South Carolina courts approve our adoption forms. You can file with confidence.
THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN SOUTH CAROLINA
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.
South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 SOUTH CAROLINA
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 South Carolina.
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 SOUTH CAROLINA ADOPTION
Our online questionnaire provides our legal department with the information we need to prepare you South Carolina adoption forms. Our experienced South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina adoption papers are correct.
Low Cost-Only $325
Our South Carolina 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.
Our detailed instructions make the adoption process simple.
