Blog: Adoption

6/11/24

3 things to know about stepparent adoption in Pennsylvania

Stepparent adoption is a relatively common family law matter. People who combine their families may develop close bonds with the children of their spouses. They may eventually want to become the lawful adoptive parent of the child instead of continuing to only be a stepparent. Many people considering a stepparent adoption don’t know what to expect. They may have unrealistic expectations for the process. Reviewing the three facts about stepparent adoption detailed below can help...

5/30/23

Can I adopt my grandchild?

You love and care for your grandchild the same way you did your own children. Stepping in and keeping them company while their parents are away is probably something you even embrace. However, you may be considering adopting your grandchild permanently if you are practically raising them due to the circumstances of their parents. When is grandparent adoption necessary? Grandparent adoption is not always the best solution, especially if the problem with the parents is...

9/17/22

Adult adoption

In Pennsylvania, an adult adoption is any adoption of a person who is 18 years or older. There are many reasons for an adult adoption, and the process for completing these adoptions can be just as complex as child adoptions. Barriers to adult adoption Adult Uses of adult adoption However, there are some legitimate uses of adult adoption. For example, Rare examples include using adoption to provide better care for an adult who is...

7/8/22

What you need to know about stepparent adoption

Stepparent adoption occurs when a parent marries a new spouse and that spouse becomes the legal guardian to their stepchild. This form of adoption is common in the U.S., but the procedures can vary according to the state you live in. Here are the basics of stepparent adoption in Pennsylvania. What is stepparent adoption? Stepparent adoption Requirements for stepparent adoption In order for a stepparent to adopt a child, the noncustodial parent must consent to...

5/6/22

Understanding the stepparent adoption process

Many broken families in Pennsylvania suffer when one parent is not in the household to help raise the children. This situation can impact how these children develop emotionally over the years with many children suffering through a troubled childhood that often leads to delinquency during the teen years. Single parent homes can be difficult environments. However, one of the best potential remedies for this situation is when the custodial parent marries an individual who is...

4/25/22

What should you know about adopting your stepchild?

Being a stepparent can be rewarding for many Pennsylvania residents. However, you might want to go a step further and adopt your stepchild. It’s important to know what the process entails. Why should you adopt your stepchild? You might want to It’s common for a stepparent to also make the move to adopting their stepchild when the biological parent is absent from their life or after that parent has passed away. As their legal...

4/12/22

Stepparent adoption: understanding the process

Adoption cases are often challenging for individuals who wish to become parents. Stepparent adoption can be complex since one of the children’s biological parents must give up parental rights for the adoption to be legal. If you’re a Pennsylvania resident, here are some important things to know about adoption if you’re a stepparent. Termination of parental rights A parent can give up their parental rights voluntarily if the patent is not in the child’s life...

1/16/22

Sometimes, children are better off with their grandparents

Children need a strong and stable bond with the person who takes care of them. Usually, that will be one of their parents. However, sometimes parents have a hard time giving their children the structure and support they need. There are situations where it will be better for the children to live with other family members. For some children, it will be much healthier, safer or more stable to stay with a grandparent instead of...

12/1/21

The importance of adoption in an LGBTQ+ marriage with kids

A legal adoption allows one person who is not the biological parent of a child to legally become their official parent. Adoption happens for many reasons in modern Pennsylvania. Sometimes, a couple cannot add children to their family biologically, so they turn to adoption. Other times, family members have to adopt children when parents die, struggle with addiction or go to prison. Stepparents also sometimes choose to adopt their stepkids. Another group of families often...

7/19/21

Want to adopt your stepchildren? Here’s what you need to know.

Blended families can be amazing blessings. It is a special moment when a stepparent decides that they want to legally adopt their stepchild and care for them as their own child. If this is your situation, you may be wondering how to begin the process, and what it will entail. Stepparent adoptions are easier than other types of adoption Adoptions in general take a lot of time and energy, and there is a considerable amount...