Adoptions

STEPPARENT ADOPTION

Stepparent adoption is exactly what it sounds like: when a stepparent completes the adoption process to adopt one or more stepchildren. At Taylor Law & Mediation PLLC, we think of stepparent adoptions in two categories:

• termination stepparent adoptions; and
• non-termination stepparent adoptions.

Termination refers to the need to also complete the necessary legal proceedings for termination of an existing parent and child relationship.

There are some circumstances where it is not necessary to terminate a parent and child relationship prior to beginning the adoption proceedings. In situations where it is necessary to terminate a parent and child relationship prior to the court granting a stepparent adoption, the proceedings can occur together.

ADULT ADOPTIONS

Idaho law allows for adults to be adopted.

There are a number of reasons for adult adoptions to be completed. A common reason is to formalize a parent-child relationship, such as a stepparent-child or foster-parent child relationship.

Adults can adopt another adult if they’ve previously had a substantial family relationship with that child for more than a year while the adoptee was a minor; or for such a period of time or in such a manner that the court finds a substantial family relationship has been created; and they are more than 15 years older than the adoptee.

What is the adult adoption process in Idaho?

In Idaho, the adult adoption process involves filing a petition with the court, completing an adoption application, and attending a hearing. Both the adoptive parent and the adult to be adopted must consent. As a trusted adoption lawyer in Idaho, I can guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth process. Reach out to me for expert legal assistance with your adult adoption.

Adult adoptions can also serve to provide legal recognition and stability in non-traditional family structures, such as lifelong friendships or mentor-mentee relationships that have evolved into familial bonds over time. This legal process not only formalizes emotional connections but also confers inheritance rights, medical decision-making authority, and other important legal protections that strengthen the bonds between individuals who have chosen to commit to each other as family. Whether seeking to solidify bonds formed through life experiences or to ensure the security of loved ones, adult adoptions offer a meaningful way to affirm and celebrate enduring relationships within our legal system. Have more questions about adult adoption in Idaho? Contact us!

GRANDPARENT ADOPTIONS

There are many reasons grandparents might be interested in adopting their grandchildren.

Maybe the grandparents have raised the grandchildren since birth or they are currently raising the children without the assistance of the parents and they might be eligible for certain benefits, such as insurance, if the children are recognized as the grandparents’ legal children.

The adoption might also provide the child(ren) with long-term security and protection. At Taylor Law & Mediation PLLC we can assist with grandparent adoptions.

TERMINATION

Termination of parent and children relationship:

• If the child(ren) was conceived or adopted during a marriage and both parents are still alive; a court has declared someone to be a biological parent; or if an unwed biological father has taken the necessary steps to protect his parental rights, it might be necessary to file a petition to adopt and a petition for termination of parent and child relationship at the same time.

Certain circumstances must exist for the court to terminate a parent and child relationship if the child(ren)’s biological parent does not consent to the adoption proceedings. If a child was not born during a marriage, the court hasn’t declared someone else to be a biological parent or an unwed biological father has not taken the necessary steps to protect his parental rights, it might be possible to complete the adoption process by filing only a petition for adoption with the local court.