Can a same-sex stepparent adopt in North Carolina?

Yes! Same-sex stepparent adoption is fully legal in North Carolina and all 50 states since the Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision.

The process is identical to any other stepparent adoption:

• Legal marriage required (same-sex marriages are recognized nationwide)
• 6 months North Carolina residency
• Consent or abandonment of the other biological parent
• Background check
• Child consent if age 12+
• Home study waived for stepparents in North Carolina

Common LGBTQ+ scenarios we handle:

• Wife adopting wife's biological child from prior relationship
• Husband adopting husband's biological child from prior relationship
• Second-parent adoption for unmarried same-sex couples (available in some North Carolina counties)

Important: There should be no discrimination based on sexual orientation in the adoption process. If you experience any issues, document them and contact an LGBTQ+ family law advocacy organization.

Filed in: District Court

Cost: $349 document preparation

Timeline: 3-6 months

We've helped many LGBTQ+ families complete their adoptions. Your family deserves the same legal protections as any other. Start at stepparentadoption360.com/questionnaire.