Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

Demographic data show that a high percentage of blended families are part of the population in all places where people live and work. Many of these families also exist with two sets of children's surnames. However, some parents want their children to have stronger bonds within a single parent family. To achieve this goal, you, as a step parent, need to know the important information provided here in order to know how to adopt your partner's child.

Steps

1. 1 Discuss the adoption idea with your spouse to make sure you're both on the same page. His or her feelings are extremely important. You cannot make this decision on your own.
2. 2 Check the laws in your state for adopting children of a second partner.
   • You should know what to do if the father was not listed on the birth certificate. Legal advice is best for you to avoid making mistakes.
   • The parental rights of the biological parent will be terminated. Again, this is if the child bears your last name.
3. 3 Consider the age of the adopted child and the degree of closeness with the biological parent you replaced. Talk to your child to find out how he or she feels about adoption.
   • A small child who has lost a parent due to his death or has never known a parent will not identify anyone other than you in this role. The child will have no objection and it will be as if he or she was born with a new surname.
   • Older children will know their original parent and old emotions may still linger. You should consider if this is a good idea based on the child's feelings. Talk to your child to find out what he or she thinks about this choice.
   • Determine if there is a need for psychological counseling. A child who remembers the other parent may feel like they are giving up on that person, regardless of whether the person was a good parent.
4. 4 Take a close look at the implications of such a big decision. Have you included other members outside of immediate family members?
   • Needless to say, the biological parent must be deceased, abandon the child, or relinquish parental rights.
   • Consider any close ties that may exist with the families of the biological parent (grandparents, aunts, uncles). Are you on friendly terms with them? You could tell these people that these connections will be preserved.
5. 5 Find a lawyer who is well versed in family law and can lead the adoption process. You can apply yourself and study the necessary information about social work, but hiring a lawyer will make it easier.
   • The lawyer will supervise the completion of the documents, the examination by the social worker of the social conditions and the study of the history of the biological parent. The lawyer will also arrange a court date for you, your spouse and your child for a final court hearing on the adoption case.
   • Maintain close communication with a lawyer for information related to the adoption process.
6. 6 Come at the date and time appointed by the court to complete the process and become the legal parent of the adopted child.
   • Express your feelings and desire to become the legal parent of the child.
   • You now have the financial and legal rights and responsibilities to take care of the child you already consider your own.
   • If you dissolve your marriage, you will also be required to pay child support and / or have custody as if you were the biological parent.
7. 7 Apply to amend your birth certificate. In this document, you will be listed as the true parent of the child instead of the biological father (or mother).

Tips

• When a family name change occurs as a result of the adoption process, copies of the adoption documents will be required to your child's school and local Social Security office.

Warnings

• The designated social worker will review the biological parent's information. If the parent is alive, but cannot be found, this fact will be included in the court records. However, if he happens to be found and wants to claim parental rights, you may have a completely new problem.