What rights does a stepparent gain after adoption in New York?

After the adoption is finalized in New York Family Court or Surrogate's Court, you become the child's full legal parent with all the same rights as a biological parent:

Legal rights you gain:

• Medical decision-making — consent to treatment, access records, make emergency decisions
• Inheritance — the child automatically inherits from you (and you from them)
• Custody — if your marriage ends, you have custody/visitation rights
• Insurance — add the child to health, life, and other insurance policies
• Education — make school decisions, access records, attend meetings as parent
• Travel — no more issues with passports, border crossings, or travel consent
• Tax benefits — claim the child as a dependent
• Military benefits — if applicable, the child qualifies for dependent benefits

The biological parent's rights are terminated simultaneously — they no longer have any legal relationship with the child.

This is permanent and cannot be reversed. Your family is officially and legally complete.