Do I need the other parent's consent for stepparent adoption?

In most cases, no. This is the #1 concern families have, and the answer is overwhelmingly positive:

Over 80% of the 34,000+ adoptions we've helped complete were finalized WITHOUT the other parent's consent.

This is completely normal and extremely common. If the biological parent has abandoned the child — meaning no meaningful contact for the period defined by state law (typically 6–12 months) — the court will approve the adoption without their consent.

Key facts about consent:

• "Token contact" (occasional call or one visit) does NOT count as meaningful contact
• Paying child support does NOT negate abandonment
• The biological parent is notified through service of process and given a chance to respond
• If they don't respond, the adoption proceeds
• Courts are very familiar with this and handle it routinely

If the bio parent does consent: The process is simpler and often faster. They sign a voluntary consent form and their parental rights are terminated.

If the bio parent actively contests: This is uncommon, but the adoption can still proceed if abandonment is proven.