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...
Can I adopt my grandchild?
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...
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 adoption...
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...
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...
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 adopt your stepchild...
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...
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...
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...
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...