What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in Mississippi?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in Mississippi:

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

2. Residency: 3 months in Mississippi (Miss. Code § 93-17-3)

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (12+ months no contact) is established under Miss. Code § 93-15-103

4. Child Consent: Children age 14+ must consent (Miss. Code § 93-17-5)

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in Mississippi (Miss. Code § 93-17-11)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Chancery 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.