What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in South Carolina?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in South Carolina:

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

2. Residency: 6 months in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 63-9-40)

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (6+ months no contact) is established under S.C. Code § 63-9-310

4. Child Consent: Children age 14+ must consent (S.C. Code § 63-9-310)

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 63-9-520)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Family 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.