Step-Parent Adoptions

Step-Parent Adoption, Grandparent Rights: Contact Richard K. Isles, California Lawyer

Step-Parents, Grandmothers, Grandfathers: Call 951-643-8541

In a blended family, lasting bonds develop at different paces and to different degrees from one household to the next. The age of the children and other factors will determine whether step-parents and step-children become close or not.

When a step-parent relationship becomes close, a married couple may consider adoption as a way to solidify the blended family's ties. In typical step-parent adoptions, a biological parent who has continuous custody of a child remarries, forming a new family unit.

The child's other parent may be absent or distant, and the new spouse now wishes to adopt the child. This wish has emotional and legal implications for all members of the family.

"Step-parent adoption and guardianships for grandparents are gratifying areas of family law." Attorney Richard K. Isles

Contact our staff if you are considering step-parent adoption, or if you are a biological father who wishes to prevent termination of your parental rights.

At the Law Offices of Richard K. Isles, you have access to an family law attorney who is experienced and dedicated to assisting clients with step-parent adoption and related issues. We serve clients in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, California.

Issues Affecting Step-Parent Adoptions

In order for the adoption to go forward, you and your spouse must be married for at least one year, and the noncustodial parent must agree to relinquish parental rights. If he or she does not agree, then you must petition the court for termination. Common grounds include proving that the absent parent is unfit due to alcohol or drug abuse, has been absent from the child's life or has provided no emotional or financial support.

Once the noncustodial parent's rights have been terminated by agreement or by the court, filing of the adoption petition can move forward. If you decide to move forward with a name change, our attorney and staff can help facilitate that.

Contact Us for Skilled Representation

If you are interested in pursuing step-parent adoption, or want to defend your parental rights, call the Law Offices of Richard K. Isles at 888-513-5924 for an initial consultation at no charge. Contact us today.