What are the adoption laws in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's adoption laws are in Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 23, Part III, and stepparent adoptions are handled by the Orphans' Court in the county where your family lives. There are 67 counties, and each has its own filing procedures, so the Orphans' Court clerk in your county can confirm local forms and details.

Here is how the main pieces work for a stepparent adoption:

• Residency: Pennsylvania has no minimum residency period. Venue is covered by 23 Pa.C.S. § 2302, and the clerk in your county can confirm which county is the right one to file in.
• Consent of the other parent: Pennsylvania requires the other biological parent's consent, along with proper notice to that parent. If the parent does not consent, the case turns on abandonment.
• Abandonment: The abandonment period is 6 months under 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511. Courts look at the whole relationship, not just money. Paying child support does not automatically prevent an abandonment finding if the parent has otherwise lacked meaningful involvement. If a parent objects, the court can still grant the adoption when abandonment is proven.
• If you can't locate the other parent: Pennsylvania has procedures for giving notice by publication. Because every situation depends on its facts, ask the clerk or an attorney about your specific case.
• Child's consent: The child consent age is 12 under 23 Pa.C.S. § 2711.
• Home study: It is waived in stepparent adoptions under 23 Pa.C.S. § 2531(c); § 2535(a).
• Same-sex couples: Pennsylvania recognizes all valid marriages for stepparent adoption purposes, so married same-sex couples can adopt.

Timeline and cost: A stepparent adoption typically takes 3-6 months. Court filing fees run about $200-$500, and the total is typically under $550. Hiring an attorney typically costs $3,000-$5,000+.

Adult adoption: Pennsylvania law says any individual may be adopted regardless of age or residence (23 Pa.C.S. 2311). The adoptee must consent, and a court hearing is required. Adult adoptions typically take 4-8 weeks. Other consent questions depend on the adoptee's age and circumstances, so confirm them with the Orphans' Court clerk or an attorney.

Contested or unusual situations: If the other parent objects, can't be found, or your family's circumstances are complicated, the outcome depends on the facts. An attorney can advise on that specific issue, and the clerk can explain local filing steps.

How we help: StepParent Adoption 360 is a document preparation service, not a law firm. You answer questions online, and we prepare the complete court document package for your county. You then file it yourself without an attorney. The price is $349 for the first child (or one adult adoptee) and $99 for each additional child. You receive court-ready documents within 24-48 hours after you finish the questions, backed by our 100% court acceptance guarantee.