How much does stepparent adoption cost?

Stepparent adoption through StepParent Adoption 360 costs $349, which includes all court-required forms for your state, professional document review, unlimited revisions, and phone/email support. This represents savings of approximately $4,600 compared to hiring an attorney, who typically charges $2,500-$5,000+ for the same service.

How long does stepparent adoption take?

The stepparent adoption process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to finalization, depending on your state's requirements and court scheduling. Our online questionnaire takes just 10-15 minutes to complete, and you'll receive your customized, court-ready documents within 24-48 hours.

What are the requirements for stepparent adoption?

Requirements vary by state but generally include: being legally married to or in a domestic partnership with the child's biological parent, the biological parent retaining custody, consent from both biological parents (or termination of the absent parent's rights), passing a background check, and in some states, a home study. Our state-specific forms guide you through your exact requirements.

Do I need the biological parent's consent for stepparent adoption?

In most cases, yes. The non-custodial biological parent must either voluntarily consent to the adoption or have their parental rights terminated by the court. Termination may be possible if the parent has abandoned the child, failed to support the child, or is deemed unfit. Our forms include the necessary consent documents for your state.

Can I complete stepparent adoption without an attorney?

Yes, stepparent adoption can be completed without an attorney in all 50 states. Our service provides all the court-required forms customized for your state, step-by-step filing instructions, and ongoing support. Over 34,000 families have successfully completed their adoptions using our service since 2001.

What forms are included in the stepparent adoption package?

Our $349 package includes all court-required forms for your specific state: Petition for Adoption, Consent to Adoption forms, Order of Adoption, and any additional state-required documents such as financial affidavits, background check forms, and filing instructions. All forms are customized with your information and ready to file.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. If your adoption forms are rejected by the court due to an error on our part, we will refund your payment in full, no questions asked. We also offer a 100% court acceptance guarantee on all our documents.

What is adult adoption and how is it different?

Adult adoption is the legal process of adopting someone who is 18 years or older. It's often used by stepparents who want to formally adopt an adult stepchild, or for inheritance and family recognition purposes. The process is typically simpler than minor adoption as it doesn't require home studies or biological parent consent in most states. Our adult adoption package is also $349.

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Adoption Resources

Stepparent Adoption Blog

Expert guides, tips, and resources to help you navigate the stepparent adoption process

Cost & Pricing5

Forms & Documents2

Process & Timeline4

Consent & Termination2

Benefits1

Legal2

Guides7

23 articles to help you complete your adoption

Guides

Stepparent Adoption Virginia: Adoption360 - Complete Guide

Complete guide to stepparent adoption in Virginia. Learn about requirements, costs, timeline, and the step-by-step legal process. Court-approved forms for all Virginia counties....

Jan 12, 2026Read More

Guides

Complete Guide to Stepparent Adoption in Minnesota | Adoption360

The comprehensive guide to stepparent adoption in Minnesota from Adoption360. Learn about requirements, processes, common challenges, and how to successfully navigate Minnesota's stepparent adoption laws....

Jan 11, 2026Read More

Guides

Complete Guide to Stepparent Adoption in Oregon | Adoption360

The comprehensive guide to stepparent adoption in Oregon from Adoption360, covering requirements, process, timeline, costs, and expert tips for successfully adopting your stepchild....

Jan 9, 2026Read More

Guides

Complete Guide to Stepparent Adoption in Nevada | Adoption360

The comprehensive guide to stepparent adoption in Nevada from Adoption360, covering legal requirements, process steps, costs, and expert tips for success....

Jan 7, 2026Read More

Process & Timeline

Stepparent Adoption Timeline 2026: Complete Guide from Adoption360 Experts

Most stepparent adoptions complete within 3 months from filing to finalization, with approximately 85% proceeding without the biological parent's consent. Understanding the timeline helps families set...

Jan 5, 2026Read More

Guides

Complete Guide to Stepparent Adoption in New Jersey | Adoption360

The comprehensive guide to stepparent adoption in New Jersey from Adoption360, covering legal requirements, processes, timelines, costs, and best practices for successfully completing your family's adoption journey....

Jan 5, 2026Read More

Process & Timeline

DIY Stepparent Adoption: Complete 2026 Guide to Self-Service Legal Process

DIY stepparent adoption allows families to complete the legal process without attorney representation, saving $3,000-$7,000 while achieving the same outcome. Over 80% of stepparent adoptions can be su...

Jan 4, 2026Read More

Cost & Pricing

Cheap Stepparent Adoption's Affordable Path to Legal Family Unity: Complete Cost Guide 2026

Stepparent adoption costs just $349 + court costs (~$300-500) with StepParent Adoption 360. Learn why consent is usually NOT required, timeline is about 3 months, and how 30,000+ families have complet...

Jan 2, 2026Read More

Cost & Pricing

Stepparent Adoption Requirements Expert Insights: Complete 2026 Guide to Legal Process and Costs

Everything you need to know about stepparent adoption requirements in 2026. Learn about costs ($349 + court fees), timeline (about 3 months), and why consent is usually NOT required. 30,000+ families ...

Jan 1, 2026Read More

Guides

Adopt My Stepchild: Complete Guide to Stepparent Adoption with Adoption360

Adopt your stepchild for just $349 + court costs with StepParent Adoption 360. Consent is usually NOT required, timeline is about 3 months. 30,000+ families helped since 1999....

Jan 1, 2026Read More

Guides

How to Adopt Your Stepchild – Complete Legal Guide (2026)

Expert step-by-step guide to stepparent adoption from the professionals who have helped 25,000+ families successfully complete the process since 1999....

Dec 27, 2025Read More

Cost & Pricing

Comprehensive FAQ: Adult Adoption Cost – Expert Answers from StepParent Adoption 360

Get expert answers to your questions about adult adoption costs from StepParent Adoption 360's 25+ years of experience helping 25,000+ families navigate adoption proceedings successfully....

Dec 27, 2025Read More

Cost & Pricing

Comprehensive FAQ: Affordable Adoption Forms – Expert Answers from StepParent Adoption 360

Get expert answers to your questions about affordable adoption forms from StepParent Adoption 360's 25+ years of experience helping 25,000+ families save 90% on adoption costs....

Dec 27, 2025Read More

Forms & Documents

Stepparent Adoption Forms: Adoption360's Complete Guide to Court-Approved Documents

Get court-approved stepparent adoption forms from Adoption360 – trusted by 25,000+ families since 1999 with a 100% court acceptance guarantee. Complete your family's legal journey with our $349 packag...

Dec 27, 2025Read More

Cost & Pricing

Comprehensive FAQ: Stepparent Adoption Cost – Expert Answers from StepParent Adoption 360

Stepparent adoption costs just $349 + court costs (~$300-500) with StepParent Adoption 360. Learn why consent is usually NOT required and how 30,000+ families have completed their adoptions....

Dec 27, 2025Read More

Process & Timeline

How long does the stepparent adoption process take?

The court process for stepparent adoption typically takes about 3 months from filing to finalization. Timeline breakdown: Document preparation: 24 hours (with StepParent Adoption 360) Court processing...

Oct 25, 2025Read More

Benefits

How can stepparent adoption help my child emotionally?

When one biological parent has abandoned or fallen out of contact with a child, it often leaves emotional scars. Many stepparents become the true day-to-day parent for these children—sharing in milest...

Oct 25, 2025Read More

Process & Timeline

What are the steps in the adoption process?

Step 1: Gather Information Start by learning your state's adoption requirements. Whether it's a stepparent or adult adoption, criteria can vary. Step 2: Complete the Necessary Documents Prepare all re...

Oct 25, 2025Read More

Forms & Documents

Can I prepare my own adoption documents?

Yes! Adoption doesn't have to be overwhelming—or expensive. Many families successfully complete stepparent adoptions without hiring an attorney by using professional document preparation services. Ben...

Oct 25, 2025Read More

Legal

How do I confirm my spouse has legal custody?

Being the child's legal parent does not automatically mean your spouse has legal custody. Your spouse likely has legal custody if: • They have a court order granting them sole or joint custody from a ...

Oct 25, 2025Read More

Legal

How do I establish legal parentage for my spouse?

If you are a stepfather seeking to adopt: Your wife must be legally recognized as the child's mother before you can adopt. This is typically confirmed through: Birth Certificate – If your wife's name ...

Oct 25, 2025Read More

Consent & Termination

What happens if the absent parent is deceased?

If the child's other biological parent has passed away, stepparent adoption becomes significantly easier. Courts prioritize the best interests of the child, and having two legal parents provides addit...

Oct 25, 2025Read More

Consent & Termination

Can I adopt without the absent parent's consent?

While obtaining written consent from the absent parent simplifies the process, their approval is not always required. In many states, if a parent has failed to maintain a relationship with the child o...

Oct 25, 2025Read More

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