Adoptions by stepparents are similar in that the child is related to either the petitioners for adoption or the spouse of a petitioner for adoption. A stepparent adoption involves the adoption of a child who is the biological child of one parent by the spouse of the parent. Generally, stepparent adoptions come about as a result of a marriage or remarriage of the biological parent of the child, but may also include children who are born out of wedlock and for whom paternity was never established. Under certain circumstances, the consent of the non-custodial parent is not required in a stepparent adoption. Generally, if the non-custodial parent has abandoned or deserted the child or has failed to support the child or communicate significantly with the child, that person's consent is not required. Stepparent adoptions may be complicated, and persons interested in stepparent adoption should consult an adoption attorney who's experienced in this area of the law.
