STEPPARENT / DOMESTIC PARTNER ADOPTIONS:
In California, where we are located, stepparents and registered domestic partners can adopt the children of their spouse or registered domestic partner.
The adopting parent petitions the court to adopt the child. A home study is completed on the adopting parent. The parent who is retaining their rights has to consent to the adoption by their spouse/partner. The
other parent of the child either has to consent to the adoption or their rights have to be terminated. Once the adoption is finalized, the stepparent or domestic partner has all the rights and responsibilities as they would if the child had been born to them. After the adoption is final, the adopting parent and the spouse or domestic partner have the same rights to the children.
Please contact us for more information or for our assistance in your particular situation.