What are the most common mistakes families make with stepparent adoption in Maryland?

Based on our 25+ years and 34,000+ adoptions, here are the most common mistakes families make — and how to avoid them:

1. Waiting too long to start

• The process takes 3-6 months from filing
• Every month you wait is a month without legal parental rights
• Start now at stepparentadoption360.com/portal/register

2. Using the wrong forms

• Maryland has 24 counties, each with specific requirements
• Generic forms from the internet may be rejected
• Our $349 service ensures correct, county-specific forms

3. Assuming consent is needed

• Over 80% of adoptions proceed WITHOUT consent
• Don't let the bio parent's refusal stop you
• Abandonment (12+ months, Md. Code Fam. Law § 5-3A-35) is the most common path

4. Improper service of process

• Service must follow legal requirements exactly
• A friend handing papers to the bio parent is NOT proper service
• Use a sheriff or licensed process server

5. Not documenting the bio parent's absence

• Keep a log of the last contact date, attempts at contact, and the absence
• This supports the abandonment affidavit

6. Trying to do it without any professional help

• An attorney costs $2,500–$5,000+
• Our service is $349 with 100% court acceptance guarantee
• Don't try to prepare legal documents from scratch

7. Thinking criminal history disqualifies them

• Minor, non-child-related offenses typically do NOT prevent adoption

Avoid all of these by using our service. Call (855) 924-0450.