Although the adoption process, in general, can often be quite difficult, step-parent adoption does not necessarily follow the same rules, as a step-parent adoption lawyer in Idaho understands. Unlike typical adoption, the step-parent is not going through the long, arduous process of filling out their information with an adoption agency, working with the state to complete a home study, and waiting to match with a birth parent. Instead, a step-parent can work with the birth parent to file an order with a judge and discuss terminating the other birth parent’s rights. If you are in the role of step-parent and are hoping to adopt your step-children, call the legal team at Taylor Law & Mediation, PLLC. We’re available to help you through this process whether you live in Eagle, Nampa, Boise, Meridian, Caldwell, Star, Garden City, Kuna, or Middleton
How can an attorney help with this process?
As in any adoption case, having an attorney will help you immensely. An attorney can ensure you are getting all of the necessary paperwork filed and signed and an Idaho step-parent adoption lawyer will ensure that the other birth parent’s rights are officially and legally terminated before moving on with the adoption.
The other parent is uninterested or cannot help. What should we do?
This is not an uncommon scenario. If the other birth parent is not there to sign away their rights or has neglected to take care of their children, it is possible to involuntarily terminate their rights. Unlike a voluntary termination, involuntary happens when the parent has willfully and intentionally chosen to abandon or neglect the children for over a year or has not provided support to them. When this is the case, you can speak with your lawyer about filing for involuntary termination of their rights.
What are the next steps?
Once the other parent’s rights have been terminated, the next big step is to go before a judge and show them that it is in the child’s best interest to have you as their adoptive parent.
While it’s true that this decision should not be taken lightly, it may still be an easy decision for you. Especially when a person has already eagerly and lovingly stepped into the role of being a step-parent, the idea of becoming an adoptive parent may be both simple and practical. If you would like to speak with a step-parent adoption lawyer in Idaho, call Taylor Law & Mediation, PLLC to set up a consultation.
Our Step-Parent Adoption Lawyer services are available throughout Idaho including Meridian, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Garden City, Caldwell, Nampa, and Middleton.
