Step-Parent Adoptions: Changing for the Better

As remarriage, blended families and same sex unions and marriages have become more common, so have step-parent adoptions. That said, the process of adoption itself and the paperwork required to complete it are more complex than ever.

Strauss & Kallus helps families in Orange County and the surrounding areas of New York to complete the step-parent adoption process. The paperwork and forms involved sometimes may make the process lengthier than expected, but we will work conscientiously to minimize the stress and aggravation.

Schedule an initial consultation with one of our lawyers by calling or contact us online today.
Although step-parent adoptions are, by and large, a very good thing — they do require a termination of the parental rights of a biological parent at the same time. This is an important and sensitive issue, and one that must be handled with care because the consent of that parent will generally be required, unless:

• The court terminates parental rights based upon failure to visit, communicate and/or pay support
• The biological parent is unknown and has never been in the child’s life
• The parent has surrendered their parental rights to an authorized agency under social services law
• The parent has legally and irrevocably denied paternity

Where the court is asked to terminate the rights of a biological parent, they are likely to appoint an attorney to represent the child. We will walk you through the steps required to complete the process and answer any questions you may have about the law, what to expect during the “home study” and anything else that concerns you.