What is a consent form for stepparent adoption?

A consent to adoption form is the legal document the biological parent signs to voluntarily terminate their parental rights and allow the stepparent to adopt the child.

What the consent form includes:

• Statement that the parent understands they're giving up all parental rights
• Acknowledgment that this is permanent and irrevocable
• Waiver of the right to notice of the adoption proceedings
• The parent's signature, usually notarized or witnessed

Requirements for a valid consent:

• Must be signed voluntarily (no coercion)
• Must be signed by a parent of legal age and sound mind
• Must be properly witnessed and/or notarized (varies by state)
• Some states require a waiting period before consent becomes irrevocable

We prepare the correct consent form for your state, ensuring it meets all legal requirements. Using the wrong form or missing a requirement can invalidate the consent and delay the adoption.

If the bio parent won't sign consent: Don't worry — over 80% of our adoptions proceed without consent, based on abandonment. We include the appropriate documents either way.