Gilbert Step-Parent Adoption Lawyers

At Wilson-Goodman & Fong, P.C., our Arizona family law attorneys have been protecting and promoting the best interest of children for more than a decade.

Stable loving families are always in the best interest of a child and we at Wilson-Goodman & Fong are pleased to provide adoption services to help step-parents formalize their relationship with a step child through adoption. Contact our Gilbert, Arizona, family law office to schedule an appointment to begin the process.

The Process of Step Parent Adoption

A step-parent adoption is not complicated and, in many cases, can be accomplished quickly. The only area of potential difficulty may be the first step - termination of parental rights of the non-participating/absentee birth parent.

It is usually the case that a step parent who wishes to adopt a child has been filling a parental role for some time. The biological parent often has had no direct involvement or relationship with the child, and may or may not be paying child support.

The easiest way is if the absent parent will sign a document relinquishing his or her parental rights. Sometimes the request to relinquish parental rights is emotionally difficult and the biological parent may delay or need reassurance. Most often, however, the biological parent is in agreement with the step parent adoption and signs the relinquishment papers with minimal delay. A step parent adoption means the biological parent will no longer be responsible for paying child support.

If the biological parent is uncooperative, or their whereabouts are unknown, a hearing will need to be held to terminate that parent's rights. Remaining steps include paperwork and a court appearance, and investigation by a family services agency. It is not as complicated as an independent or agency adoption.

The Benefits of Step Parent Adoption

The benefits to a child of being adopted by a step-parent are many. The step parent now gains the ability to make decisions on behalf of the child regarding school, medical care, and other important life issues. The child can inherit from the step parent, and vice versa. But the most important benefit is the security, belonging, and love that the child and parent both gain from formalizing their relationship.

Allow us to help your family with a step-parent adoption. Contact Wilson-Goodman & Fong to schedule an appointment with a Gilbert adoption lawyer.

• Angela M. Wilson-Goodman 
• Scott Stewart
• Moriah Windsor

The law office of Wilson-Goodman & Fong, P.C., provides a wide range of legal services to meet the varied needs of individuals and families in Phoenix, Arizona. We serve clients in Maricopa County and Pinal County, and the communities of the East Valley, including Gilbert, Chandler, Chandler Heights, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Florence, Gold Canyon, Eloy, Maricopa, and Coolidge.