Can I adopt my stepchild if I'm in the military stationed in New Hampshire?

Yes, you can pursue a stepparent adoption in New Hampshire while stationed there, and the state sets no minimum residency period before you file (RSA 170-B:15, I). That means there is no waiting period to meet before starting your case. Adopters must be adults, meaning 18 or older (RSA 170-B:4).

Where you file: Your case goes to the New Hampshire Circuit Court. New Hampshire has 10 counties, so the court clerk in the county where your family lives is your best contact for local forms, filing fees and scheduling. The data I have doesn't address whether military orders affect which court you use, so ask the clerk about that before you file.

What the court looks at:

• Child's consent: A child who is 14 or older must consent to the adoption (RSA 170-B:3, I). A younger child doesn't have this consent requirement.
• The other legal parent: If the other parent is involved, their rights are usually addressed first. In New Hampshire, ending parental rights is handled as a separate step from the adoption itself.
• Abandonment: If the other parent has abandoned the child, the abandonment period is 6 months (RSA § 170-C:5). Whether your situation meets that standard depends on your facts. If the other parent is contesting, can't be found, or the history is unclear, ask the court clerk or an attorney about your specific case.
• Home study: New Hampshire waives the home study for stepparent adoptions (RSA § 170-B:18). That saves time for families who may move or deploy.

Timeline: Stepparent adoptions in New Hampshire typically take 3-6 months. If you might deploy or receive new orders during that time, ask the clerk how hearings are scheduled and what happens if you can't attend. I can't give you a firm answer on that here.

Military-specific questions: How adoption affects your child's military dependent status or benefits is a separate matter from the court process. Your installation's legal assistance office or an attorney can answer those questions for your situation.