Can I adopt my step-child?

If your spouse has legal and physical custody of his or her child, and you have lived with your spouse and his or her child for the past six months, you may be able to adopt your step-child. However, if the child’s other biological parent is still alive and has legal rights to the child, you will need him or her to voluntarily give up these rights. If this parent agrees and the adoption is successful, your step-child will be considered identical to a biological child under the law.

To learn more about your rights and responsibilities as an adoptive step-parent, contact the Raleigh step-parent adopting lawyers of Marshall & Taylor, P.C. at 919-833-1040.