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We make the adoption process in Washington simple, fast and affordable.
Washington Adoption - $325
Now you can complete your stepparent adoption or adult adoption in Washington 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 Washington adoption team will review your information and prepare adoption papers specifically for your situation.
- Adoption specialist for Washington 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 Washington adoption process.
- Over 20 years experience filing adoptions in the Washington court system
- 100% Court acceptance in the Washington adoption/Probate Court.
- Fast Process. Submit your order today and file your adoption forms tomorrow.
Information on filing an adoption in Washington.
When we prepare your Washington 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 Washington. Whether you are filing a stepparent adoption or an adult adoption, we will be able to help you get your adoption finalized.
Washington Stepparent & Adult Adoptions: A Comprehensive Guide
With References to Chapter 26.33 RCW
If you’re looking to adopt a stepchild or formalize an existing bond through adult adoption in Washington State, it helps to know the legal steps outlined in Chapter 26.33 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Below is an overview of the key requirements, timelines, and procedures for both stepparent and adult adoptions.
1. Residency Requirements
- Residency Duration: Under RCW 26.33.010, at least one adoptive parent (or petitioner) generally must reside in Washington before initiating an adoption. Although there is no strict six-month rule in Washington statutes, most courts expect clear proof of residency.
- Where to File: Adoption petitions are typically filed in the Superior Court of the county where you or the adoptee resides.
2. Stepparent Adoption in Washington
A stepparent adoption legally establishes you (the stepparent) as the child’s parent, granting full parental rights and responsibilities. It generally terminates the absent parent’s rights if they have abandoned the child or cannot be found.
2.1. Consent of the Absent Parent
- General Rule: Per RCW 26.33.160, consent from both legal parents is typically required for an adoption to proceed.
- Exception—Abandonment: If the absent parent has failed to communicate or provide support for a specified period—often 12 months—the court may determine abandonment, allowing the adoption without that parent’s consent (see RCW 26.33.120 for grounds to terminate parental rights).
- Unknown Whereabouts: You must show a diligent search if the other parent’s location is unknown. The court may require notice by publication under RCW 4.28.100 before terminating that parent’s rights.
2.2. Child’s Consent
- Children 14 and Older: Under RCW 26.33.160(1)(h), any child age 14 or older must consent in writing to the adoption unless the court finds reasons to waive this requirement.
2.3. Timeline & Process
- File the Petition: Complete a Petition for Adoption in the Superior Court.
- Serve or Notify the Other Parent: If you know the absent parent’s location, they must be served. If unknown, seek permission to publish notice.
- Termination of Parental Rights: In many stepparent cases, terminating the absent parent’s rights is part of the proceeding (RCW 26.33.120 and 26.33.130).
- Final Hearing: If uncontested, the hearing is typically brief. Stepparent adoptions in Washington often finalize in 3–6 months, depending on court schedules.
2.4. New Birth Certificate
After the Decree of Adoption is signed (see RCW 26.33.250), you may request an amended birth certificate from the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics. The revised certificate will list you as the child’s parent and reflect any updated name for the child. The original birth record is sealed and only accessible by court order.
3. Adult Adoption in Washington
Adult adoption is typically simpler, as it doesn’t require terminating another parent’s rights. It can secure inheritance rights and formalize family bonds.
3.1. Consent & Process
- Adult’s Consent: Under the broad provisions of Chapter 26.33 RCW, the adult adoptee must voluntarily consent to be adopted. Consent from biological parents is not required.
- Petition Filing: File an Adult Adoption Petition in the Superior Court of the county where you or the adoptee lives.
3.2. Timeline
- Faster Completion: Because there’s no parental rights termination involved, adult adoptions often finalize within 45–90 days if uncontested and all paperwork is correctly filed.
3.3. Legal Effects
- Name Change: The adult adoptee may request a new name as part of the adoption decree.
- Amended Birth Certificate: An adult adoptee may obtain an amended birth certificate listing the adoptive parent, though this step is optional.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the absent parent still owe child support after the adoption?
- Generally, once the adoption is finalized and the absent parent’s rights are terminated, their child support obligations end unless a prior court order states otherwise.
- What if the absent parent contests the adoption?
- The court will hold a hearing to determine if the absent parent truly abandoned the child or otherwise forfeited their rights. If abandonment or another legal ground is established, the adoption can proceed.
- Are home studies required for a stepparent adoption?
- In many Washington stepparent adoptions, the court may waive a formal home study. However, some judges request a limited investigation to confirm the child’s best interests (see RCW 26.33.190 on pre- and post-placement reports).
5. How We Can Help
We specialize in preparing professionally drafted, court-ready adoption documents in compliance with Chapter 26.33 RCW. Our services include:
- Customized Forms: We tailor every petition and consent form to meet Washington’s specific statutory requirements.
- Guided Instructions: We offer clear, step-by-step guidance on notifying the absent parent, filing in Superior Court, and finalizing the adoption.
- Time & Cost Efficiency: Our process helps you avoid costly legal fees and reduces the likelihood of procedural delays.
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THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN WASHINGTON
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.
Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 WASHINGTON
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 Washington.
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 WASHINGTON ADOPTION
Our online questionnaire provides our legal department with the information we need to prepare you Washington adoption forms. Our experienced Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington adoption papers are correct.
Low Cost-Only $325
Our Washington 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.
