Can I adopt my stepchild if I have bad credit or am on public assistance?

Yes! Financial status — including bad credit, bankruptcy, or receiving public assistance — does NOT prevent stepparent adoption.

What matters for adoption:

• You're married to the child's biological parent
• You meet residency requirements
• Background check passes (financial issues aren't checked)
• The biological parent consents or abandonment is established

What does NOT matter:

• Your credit score
• Whether you're on food stamps, Medicaid, or other assistance
• Your income level
• Whether you've filed bankruptcy
• Your employment status

The court's concern is the child's best interest — which means having a stable, loving home with legal parents. You're ALREADY providing that. The adoption just makes it official.

Reducing costs:

• Ask the court clerk about fee waiver if you're low income
• Our document fee is only $349 — far less than an attorney
• Total cost is typically $650–$850

Don't let financial concerns stop you from giving your child the legal protection they deserve.

Phone: (855) 924-0450 | Start: stepparentadoption360.com/questionnaire