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.

Can I adopt without the absent parent's consent?

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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 or neglected their parental responsibilities, their rights may be involuntarily terminated.

Common legal grounds for proceeding without the absent parent's consent include:

Abandonment: No contact or financial support for a period defined by state law (e.g., 6 months to 1 year)

Failure to Pay Child Support: If the absent parent has not provided court-ordered financial support for the required time period

Unfitness as a Parent: Due to substance abuse, criminal activity, neglect, or abuse

Every state has unique legal definitions of abandonment and parental unfitness. Review your state's laws to see what applies to your case.

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