In this answer · 1 sections
North Carolina stepparent adoption is governed by North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 48. Here are the key statutes:
- N.C.G.S. § 48-3-301
https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_48/Article_3.pdf
- N.C.G.S. § 48-2-301
https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_48/Article_2.pdf
Key provisions:
- Residency: 6 months (N.C.G.S. § 48-2-100)
- Abandonment: 6 months (N.C.G.S. § 48-3-603)
- Child consent: Age 12+ (N.C.G.S. § 48-3-601)
- Home study: Waived for stepparents (N.C.G.S. § 48-3-503)
You don't need to read these yourself — we know them inside out and prepare all your documents in compliance with North Carolina law. But they're here if you want to review them.
Stepparent adoption in North Carolina at a glance
- Court
- Clerk of Superior Court
- Residency before filing
- 6 months
- Typical timeline
- 3-6 months
- Court filing fee
- $150-$300
- Child must consent at age
- 12
- Home study
- Usually waived for stepparents
- North Carolina families we've helped
- 914
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