United States:
Step-Parent Adoption – Time To Take The Plunge?
06 February 2019
Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A.
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Family composition often includes children from a prior
marriage. Step-parents assume the role of caring for, loving, and
raising the spouse's children. Lasting bonds are created by
step-parent relationships but legally, step-parents have no rights
with regards to these children. Step-parent adoption can be a great
option for families to achieve permanency and stability. Some
additional benefits include:
- Gaining a sense of belonging and
importance in the family
- Securing a partnership in case the
other parent dies
- Accessing medical, dental and other
health care coverage from the step-parent
- Obtaining insurance benefits and
other inheritance from the step-parent
Most of all, step-parent adoption provides a vehicle for blended
families to achieve unity and a lasting legal bond. Upon adoption,
a step-parent receives the same rights as biological parents.
Step-parent adoption generally follows one of two paths. Either a
biological parent consents to the adoption or a petition to
terminate the biological parent's rights is filed. In Florida,
step-parent adoption involves numerous forms, background checks,
court appearances, and other legal appointments.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
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