What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in Pennsylvania?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in Pennsylvania:

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

2. Residency: 6 months in Pennsylvania (23 Pa.C.S. § 2711)

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (6+ months no contact) is established under 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511

4. Child Consent: Children age 12+ must consent (23 Pa.C.S. § 2711)

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in Pennsylvania (23 Pa.C.S. § 2530)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Orphans' 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.