Make it Official
Stepparents have limited rights in the eyes of the law. Even if the stepparent has essentially been a parent to their stepson or stepdaughter, the law requires that a stepparent adoption be completed in order to make it official and to get the same rights as a biological parent.
At the law firm of Patel & Warren, our attorneys can help you step forward and claim the rights of a mother and father. Our goal is to take you through the stepparent adoption process efficiently and effectively, so you can move forward in your role as a parent.
Rights Granted Through Stepparent Adoption
After a stepparent adoption, a stepmother or stepfather will possess the same rights that a biological parent has. They will be able to seek child custody and visitation arrangements in the event of a divorce. The only right that the biological parent will keep is the right to pass property on to their child after they die.
The Stepparent Adoption Process
Many families are created through second marriages, third marriages and even fourth and fifth marriages. Stepparent and stepchild bonds are created that can be as strong and lasting, if not more so, than bonds between biological parent and biological child. The stepparent adoption process is designed to make that bond official.
The main component of the stepparent adoption process is a court-required social study of the home. This is done to review the situation and determine if the adoption request is in the best interest of the child. Typically, this goes very smoothly. If a problem is to arise, it usually comes in the form of a biological parent objecting to the adoption. These problems are rare, but we can handle them if they come up.
Tell Us About Your Case
Contact us for a thoughtful and professional review of your case from a stepparent adoption lawyer serving Houston and the surrounding parts of Texas.
