LGBTQ

# LGBTQ+ Stepparent Adoption — You're In the Right Place

Good news: Stepparent adoption is available to LGBTQ+ families across all 50 states. Following the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, married same-sex couples have the exact same adoption rights as opposite-sex couples.

We have helped hundreds of LGBTQ+ families complete their stepparent adoptions over the past 25+ years. The process, cost, and timeline are identical to any other stepparent adoption.

## Key Points for LGBTQ+ Families

For married couples:

• The stepparent adoption process is exactly the same regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity
• You have full legal protection under federal law
• Courts are very familiar with LGBTQ+ adoptions and process them routinely
• Cost: $349 for one child, $95 for each additional
• Timeline: About 3 months for minor children

For unmarried couples (Second Parent Adoption):

Some states allow adoption without being married. These include:

• California, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Washington DC

We have also completed adoptions for unmarried couples in other states — it varies by county and judge. If you're unmarried and want to pursue this, we can help.

## Why LGBTQ+ Families Choose Stepparent Adoption

Even when both partners are listed on the birth certificate, adoption provides stronger legal protection:

• Parental rights are ironclad in all 50 states, even if you move
• Medical decisions — hospitals and doctors must recognize your authority
• Inheritance rights are automatic
• Social Security survivor benefits for the child
• Peace of mind — full legal recognition of your family

Many LGBTQ+ families complete stepparent adoption even when there's no absent biological parent to worry about — it's about creating the strongest possible legal bond with your child.

## Common Situations We Help With

Two moms/two dads where one is the biological parent: Standard stepparent adoption. The non-biological parent adopts the child, creating a full legal parent-child relationship.

Previous heterosexual relationship, now in same-sex relationship: If your child has a biological parent from a previous relationship who has abandoned them, you can complete the adoption without their consent (just like any stepparent adoption). Over 80% of our adoptions are completed without the other parent's consent.

Known donor situations: If you used a known sperm or egg donor who has no parental relationship with the child, we can help navigate this.

Adult adoption: If your stepchild is now 18+, adult adoption is even simpler — no home study, no background check, and it finalizes in 4-6 weeks.

## You're Not Alone

The court sees LGBTQ+ families regularly. Judges are enthusiastic about these adoptions because they create legal security for children. This is a very common, very straightforward process.

We've been helping families since 1999 — long before marriage equality — and we're honored to help LGBTQ+ families create the legal recognition their love deserves.

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Do you have questions about your specific situation? I'm here to help — whether you're in Florida (where you're viewing this page) or any other state. And when you're ready to start, the questionnaire takes about 15 minutes: stepparentadoption360.com/questionnaire