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Stepparent Adoption
The most common form of adoption is by a stepparent who assumes
financial and legal responsibility for his/her spouse's child(ren)
and the non-custodial parent is released from all parenting
responsibilities. The stepparent and biological parent must
be married one year before an adoption petition can be filed.
Just
as with any adoption, there must be a proper termination
of the parental rights of child's biological parent who
will be released from their parental rights and responsibilities.
This may be accomplished through a consent to adopt or an
order terminating parental rights. (link to termination
of parental rights).
In
certain cases, termination of parental rights followed by
step-parent adoption may benefit both Mother and Father.
Once a child is adopted in a step-parent adoption, the current
and future child support obligation of the absent biological
parent is released. Past child support arrears may be negotiated
away (settled to zero) in most cases, with a consent to
adopt.
Arizona
law requires a social study in this matter be conducted
and a report submitted to the Court by a licensed adoption
agency. The Court must be notified of the agency you have
selected.
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Relative Adoption
Relative adoptions" are not the same as "stepparent adoptions".
Arizona adoption law defines a "relative" as "uncle, aunt,
adult sibling, grandparent or great-grandparent of the child
of the whole or half-blood or by marriage or adoption."
A
social study in this matter be conducted and a report submitted
to the Court by a licensed adoption agency. The Court must
be notified of the agency you have selected.
New
birth certificates are issued, and adoption records are
sealed in accordance with Arizona law.
Arizona
law requires a social study in this matter be conducted
and a report submitted to the Court by a licensed adoption
agency. The Court must be notified of the agency you have
selected.
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Non-relative Adoption
Adoptions by a non-relative have many of the same requirements
as do step parent and relative adoptions. However, adopting
parents must be certified to adopt. Contact our office for
additional information.
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Rely on this information at your own risk.
Nothing contained herein constitutes legal advice.
If you have questions or concerns about legal issues, consult an
attorney.
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