Stepparent Adoption

Over half the adoptions that take place in the United States each year involve stepparents adopting their stepchildren.  This usually helps to provide the child additional stability and permanency and helps to strengthen life-long bonds between parent and child. Most states provide for a streamlined adoption process when stepparents chose to adopt their stepchildren. In many cases, a streamlined homestudy is allowed.

Stepparent adoption has no less impact on the child than other types of adoption since it separates the child legally from one biological parent and that parent's family. Grandparent visitation may also be a consideration and provisions can be included in the adoption process.

More on Adopting Your Stepchild

1. Getting Started with Adoption
2. How Many People Choose Adoption?
3. Is Adoption Right for You?
4. Adoption Self-Assessment Quiz
5. Which Children Are Available for Adoption?
6. Sibling Groups
7. Who Can Adopt?
8. Qualification Requirements for Adopting Parents
9. Your Adoption Options
10. Agency Adoption
11. Private (or Independent) Adoption
12. Options in Independent Adoption
13. Adoption Facilitators
14. International Adoption
15. Foster Adoption
16. Stepparent Adoption
17. Transracial Adoption
18. Special Needs Adoption
19. Military Adoption
20. Making an Adoption Plan
21. Selecting an Adoption Professional
22. Getting an Adoption Homestudy
23. Adoption Costs
24. Why Do Costs Seem So High?
25. Help Handling the Costs of Adoption
26. The Adoption Tax Credit
27. Adoption Subsidies
28. Employer Adoption Benefits
29. Networking & Networking Tools
30. Legal Issues in Adoption
31. Evaluating Adoption Risks
32. Open Adoption
33. Breastfeeding the Adopted Child
34. Coping With the Wait
35. Glossary of Terms
36. Recommended Reading
37. Conclusion