Can I adopt my stepchild if I'm currently pregnant in Alaska?

Yes, you can start a stepparent adoption in Alaska while you are pregnant, and the steps are the same ones that apply to any stepparent adoption. Alaska's rules under Alaska Statutes Title 25, Chapter 23 deal with the court, consent, and paperwork. If you have a question about how your due date fits with a court date, the Superior Court clerk in your borough or an attorney can confirm that for your situation.

Timing around your due date:

• Alaska stepparent adoptions take about 3-6 months, so starting early gives you the best chance of finishing before the baby arrives.
• If the baby comes first, ask the clerk how the court handles scheduling for a hearing close to your delivery.

What Alaska requires:

• Court: Your petition is filed in the Superior Court. The clerk can tell you the current filing fee and local filing steps.
• Residency: Alaska has no minimum residency period for this adoption, so you do not need to wait before filing.
• Who may adopt: Under AS 25.23.020, a husband and wife may adopt together. A married person may adopt without the other spouse joining in limited circumstances, such as when the other spouse is the child's parent and consents.
• Your stepchild's consent: If your stepchild is 10 or older, Alaska Stat. § 25.23.040 applies, and the child's consent becomes part of the process.
• The other biological parent: If that parent will not consent, abandonment can be a ground. Alaska Stat. § 25.23.050(a)(1)-(2) uses a 6 month period. Termination of that parent's rights is not a separate step in Alaska.
• Home study: Alaska waives the home study under Alaska Stat. § 25.23.100. The clerk can confirm whether the court wants anything further in your case.