Can I adopt my stepchild if the biological parent's rights were already terminated in Washington?

Yes, and this makes the process even simpler. If the biological parent's rights were already terminated by a prior court order (from a previous case — such as dependency, abuse/neglect, or a prior adoption attempt), you do not need to go through the consent or abandonment process again.

What's different:

• No consent form needed
• No service of process on the biological parent
• No abandonment affidavit
• The biological parent has no standing to contest

What you DO need:

• A certified copy of the termination order from the prior court case
• The standard Petition for Adoption filed in Superior Court
• Background check for you (the adopting stepparent)
• Child consent if age 14+ (RCW § 26.33.160)
• Home study waived for stepparents in Washington

Timeline: Often faster than the typical 3-6 months because there is no waiting for service or response

Cost: Same $349 document preparation fee

Indicate the prior termination on the questionnaire and include the court case number if you have it. We prepare everything accordingly.

Start at stepparentadoption360.com/questionnaire or call (855) 924-0450.