What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in Arkansas?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in Arkansas:

1. Marriage: You must be legally married to the child's biological parent

2. Residency: 0 months in Arkansas (A.C.A. § 9-9-203)

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (12+ months no contact) is established under A.C.A. § 9-9-207

4. Child Consent: Children age 10+ must consent (A.C.A. § 9-9-206)

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in Arkansas (A.C.A. § 9-9-212)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Circuit Court

Our document package includes everything you need — petition, consent forms or abandonment affidavit, background check forms, home study waiver request, and step-by-step filing instructions for your specific countie.