When you come to the Law Office of Stephen Ross for help with a stepparent adoption, you will be represented by a compassionate attorney who will be there to answer your questions and guide you through the process from beginning to end.
Our lawyers represent stepparents in Pottstown and the surrounding Tri-County area of Pennsylvania who wish to adopt their spouse’s child from another person. Since the adoptive child is already living with the stepparent, adoption makes legal a parent-child relationship that already exists. Contact us to talk to an experienced and compassionate attorney about your case.
Stepparent Adoption in Pennsylvania
The stepparent adoption process is relatively simple in Pennsylvania if both biological parents agree to or consent to the adoption. If one of the parents does not agree, a petition to terminate the parental rights of that parent must be filed. Additionally, children over the age of 14 can inform the court of whether or not they want to be adopted by the stepparent.
Formal adoption of your spouse’s child from a previous relationship is a big step. It comes with many benefits, but also permanent responsibilities. This adoption would allow you to call the adopted child your “own” and would allow the child to inherit from you should you die. You will have all the rights of a biological parent when it comes to your child’s education and medical care. You should also be aware that in the event you divorce your spouse, you would be required to provide support for the adopted child and be subject to custody and other related issues.
Only an experienced adoption attorney will foresee the legal issues that may arise in your stepparent adoption and be proactive, rather than reactive, to roadblocks and delays. Our lawyers will handle the legal issues so you can concentrate on building your new family.
Contact Our West Chester Stepparent Custody Attorneys
Our attorneys are ready to help you get positive results. Call 610-323-5300 or 800-799-1948 to discuss your case with our Pottstown stepparent adoption attorneys. When you leave our first meeting, you will have a strong understanding of how your case will proceed and what our attorneys will do to meet your needs. We serve Pottstown, West Chester, Reading, Norristown, King of Prussia, Limerick, Lansdale, Spring City, Philadelphia and surrounding communities in Pennsylvania.
