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 S.C. Code § 63-9-310 if he has been absent 6+ months
Both adoptions can proceed simultaneously in South Carolina Family 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina at a glance
- Court
- Family Court
- Residency before filing
- No minimum period
- Typical timeline
- 3-6 months
- Court filing fee
- $150-$350
- Child must consent at age
- 14
- Home study
- Usually waived for stepparents
- South Carolina families we've helped
- 942
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.
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