Can both my spouse and I adopt each other's children from prior relationships in New York?

Yes! This is called a mutual or cross-adoption — where each spouse adopts the other's child from a prior relationship. It is legal and we handle it regularly.

How it works:

• You adopt your spouse's child (stepparent adoption)
• Your spouse adopts your child (also stepparent adoption)
• These can be filed simultaneously or sequentially in Family Court or Surrogate's Court

Requirements for each adoption:

• The other biological parent of each child must consent or have abandoned the child
• Background check for each adopting parent
• Each child age 14+ must consent individually
• 0 months New York residency

Cost:

• $349 for the first child + $99 for each additional child
• If each spouse is adopting one child each: this may be treated as two separate adoptions or one combined filing (depends on your county)
• Call us to discuss the most cost-effective approach

The result:

• Both of you become the legal parents of ALL children in the family
• All children become full legal siblings
• One unified family with complete legal protection

Timeline: 3-6 months (both adoptions can process simultaneously)

This is a beautiful way to create complete legal family unity. Start at stepparentadoption360.com/portal/register or call (855) 924-0450.