Frequently Asked Questions About Stepparent Adoption in OK
Stepparent adoption is a normal process in the United States. However, the different states have different laws explaining how someone becomes legally eligible for adoption. Stepparent adoption in Oklahoma is a frequent occurrence. However, specific crucial laws govern Oklahoma stepparent adoption that many step parents may not know.
Due to these essential laws, stepparents often seek the help of adoption lawyers OKC to complete the process legally. Most families prefer legal adoption because it provides legal protection for the non-biological parents of the child.
Some of the frequently asked questions about Stepparent adoption in Oklahoma include the following:
How Long Is the Adoption Process in Oklahoma?
The most extended adoption process can depend on your ability to provide all the necessary details the Court needs. If you satisfy all the requirements, the process can take only a few months. Because the adopting parties are already related, the Court can waive the home study requirement, making the process cheaper and faster. However, the process can take longer if you have challenges fulfilling all the requirements for stepparent adoption Oklahoma, or if your case becomes contested.
You can consult adoption attorney OKC, to help you put all the requirements together before beginning the process to make it easier and faster.
Can I Adopt a Stepchild Without the Consent of Both Parents in Oklahoma?
Yes. The internet may tell you that for you to adopt your stepchild in Oklahoma, you will need consent from both parents before proceeding with the adoption. That is not always the case for every family. Oklahoma law allows some step parent adoptions to move forward without the permission of the other biological parent.
In some cases, other birth parents refuse to consent to the adoption. However, a reasonable adoption attorney Oklahoma can help you convince the court on your behalf to waive the requirement.
The court can then waive the requirement under the following circumstances:
- If the other biological parent is unfit to be the parent,
- If the other birth parent passes away,
- If the court terminated the parental rights of the other birth parent,
- If the other biological parent neglected the child or failed to maintain a positive relationship with the child for 12 consecutive months out of the last 14 months preceding the filing of the petition, and
- If the other parent failed to pay child support in the last 12 consecutive months out of the 14 months preceding the filing process.
Does My Stepchild Have to Consent to the Adoption?
Your stepchild’s consent will depend on their age. If the child is 12 years of age or older, they will have to give their consent for the adoption to finalize. Ensure they understand the adoption process and the fact that the other parent will now not legally be part of their life.
However, if the child is under 12 years of age, they will not have to give consent.
What Are the Requirements for Adoption?
Adopting your stepchild is not always a complicated affair in Oklahoma. You only need to fulfill a few crucial requirements to finish the process successfully. Some of these requirements include the following:
- You must be legally married to the biological parent of the child;
- You must be present with the biological parent of the child during the adoption petition process, and
- Ask the Court to make a determination saying the consent of the other biological parent is necessary.
How Can an Attorney Help Me Adopt?
An attorney will help you prepare all the court paperwork to start and complete the adoption process. The attorney will also help you file the petition and argue it to ensure you win. For more information about adoption and guardianship, or to consult with an attorney, contact Lisa R. Howard P.L.L.C. at (405) 943-2500. You can also go online and leave us a message today.