What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in New York?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in New York:

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

2. Residency: 0 months in New York (N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 110)

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (6+ months no contact) is established under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 111(2)

4. Child Consent: Children age 14+ must consent (N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 111)

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in New York (N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 112-a)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Family Court or Surrogate's 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.