Stepparent adoption in Wagoner County can be an arduous process to go through. The state of Oklahoma has put in place several laws regarding stepparent adoption. To navigate the legal process of stepparent adoption, you should have a capable and trusted family law attorney on your side. Your attorney can help ensure that your adoption completion process is smoothly and in the shortest possible time.

Requirements for Stepparent Adoption in Wagoner

In Oklahoma, there are certain requirements that you must meet before the Judge will sign the order for the Stepparent adoption. The original petition will state the requirements that are necessary that are in the Oklahoma statutes.

Among some of the requirements is that the biological parent and the prospective stepparent be married and cohabitating for one year. The one year period runs one year prior to the filing of the petition in the Family Court in Wagoner County

Creation of a New Parent-Child Relationship

The successful completion of a stepparent adoption process in Oklahoma will make the stepparent the new parent and guardian of the child in the eyes of the state law. Upon completion of the process, the stepparent will enjoy the same legal rights and responsibilities as a biological parent of the child would have enjoyed.

As an adoptive stepparent, the expectation is that you are able to provide for the child’s physical, mental, emotional, financial, educational, and social needs. The adopted child will also inherit a share in your estate just like a biological child would. It is important to realize the gravity of what it means to adopt, because it’s a life long commitment to that child.

Termination of Existing Parental Rights 

Both biological parents of the child should give their consent for a stepparent adoption in Oklahoma. The other biological parent should agree to terminate his or her parental rights before the completion of the adoption. If the whereabouts of the other biological parent are in question, it can be a challenge to locate and reach out to them. The Courts in Wagoner will require you to make best efforts to locate the parent and give notice. Also, if your child is old enough, the child will also have to consent to the adoption.

Options When Consent is not Possible

When it is not possible to obtain the consent of the child’s other biological parent, you can move the court to seek the termination of parental rights of that parent in order to clear the path for a stepparent adoption. You may succeed in this legal pursuit if the other biological parent has not maintained a positive relationship with the child in at least 12 out of the previous 14 months, has abandoned the child, or has failed to carry other legal obligations, such as making child support payments.

Stepparent Adoption Attorneys in Wagoner

A Stepparent adoption is a great thing for the child involved as well as the prospective stepparent. It takes a family that’s been broken and builds it back up. Although single parents in today’s world are able to successfully raise their children, it’s even better to have both parents in the home. Our Stepparent adoption attorneys in Wagoner County have helped countless families with adoption concerns. If you are considering a stepparent adoption call us today and we can talk about your options. If you have a legal question, try Ask A Lawyer Here.