StepParent Adoption 360
Adoption knowledge base Situations

One of my stepchildren's father consents but the other's doesn't — can I still adopt both in Michigan?

1 min readHelping families since 2001Michigan
In this answer · 2 sections

Yes, absolutely. The adoption of each child is evaluated based on that child's biological father, not as a package deal.

Your situation is very common:

  • Child 1: Father consents → simpler, faster process for this child
  • Child 2: Father does not consent → abandonment proceedings under MCL § 710.51 if he has been absent 24+ months

Both adoptions can proceed simultaneously in Michigan Family Division of Circuit Court. The child with the consenting father may finalize slightly faster, but both can be filed at the same time.

What we prepare:

  • Consent documents for the cooperating father
  • Abandonment affidavit for the absent/refusing father
  • Separate service of process documents as needed
  • All other required Michigan court forms

Important: Having one father consent and another absent is extremely common in blended families. Courts see this regularly and handle it without issue.

Cost: $349 for the first child + $99 for the second = $448

Timeline: 3-6 months for both

Start at stepparentadoption360.com/portal/register — describe each child's situation and we handle the rest.

Stepparent adoption in Michigan at a glance

Court
Family Division of Circuit Court
Residency before filing
No minimum period
Typical timeline
3-6 months
Court filing fee
$200-$500
Child must consent at age
14
Home study
May be required
Michigan families we've helped
391

Full Michigan guide →

Turn what you learn into your next step

01Understand your situation

Start with this answer and the related questions below.

02Check the state rules

Use official sources and confirm local filing details with the court.

03Prepare with confidence

Save your answers in the portal or call our team for document help.

Published by Douglas Brown & the StepParent Adoption 360 team

Adoption document specialists · 25+ years of experience · 34,000+ families helped.

Page layout updated . Individual answers have different research histories. This is general information; court requirements and individual circumstances can differ. Document preparation service, not a law firm.

Get to know our team →
Start Michigan stepparent adoption · $349 →