A stepparent adoption in Delaware takes approximately 3 months to be final. The adoption can make a stepchild feel more included in the family and in some cases assist with estate planning. It's a big step, but you won't go through it alone. Note: You cannot apply to adopt a stepchild until they have lived with both of … This is why it is important to put in as much information as possible in our online questionnaire. We stay with you through the entire process, to help guide you through the Delaware adoption process. The investigator has three months after being appointed to file the report. review and sign your Delaware adoption forms. become the legal parent and be fully responsible for his or her spouse’s child. International Adoption Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know; Do Adoption Birth Certificates Look Different? Adoption.com is not a licensed adoption agency or facilitator and it does not provide professional, legal or medical advice. You need to file a petition for adoption in the municipality where you and the child to be adopted reside. Stepchild adoption should be an exciting time for a family. Stepchild adoption is by no means as expensive as regular adoption. Most hearings for legally adopting a stepchild occur within six months after filing. If the child lived with you for one year leading up to filing your petition, the hearing will be within 60 days. You must tell the council at least three (3) months before applying for an adoption order at the court. This Labradoodle breeder in Delaware provides extensive health records, microchipping, and guaranteed socialization with adults, children, and other animals. In stepparent adoptions, the situation can be more complicated. Delaware only allows a birth mother to consent to an adoption after the child has been born. In a stepparent adoption because the parties are related, the courts may remove requirements like home visits in order to speed up the process. You now have a legal and affordable means to complete your adoption and unite your family. We make it possible to file and your own adoption. There are many reasons why you may be considering adopting your step-child(ren). In both situations, you can still complete the stepparent adoption. In addition to the above, the permission of the biological parents will usually need to be granted. The process of stepchild adoption in DE is not as hard as you may think. Before you can adopt your stepchild, the court must remove the parental rights of the non-custodial parent. It might be a good idea to sit down and have a good, in-depth conversation about how the dynamics of your family unit might change by adopting your spouse’s child. When we prepare your Delaware adoption papers, we will include all the provisions specific to your situation. Submenu Toggle Alabama. List of prescribed identity documents (PDF) 2. Second-parent adoption: if you and your partner are not legally married, but you want to adopt their child, so you will be a legal parent as well. Fast Process. SIMPLE 3-STEP PROCESS: Complete the questionnaire, then review and sign your Delaware adoption forms, and file with the court. Some cases in the world of family law are overall very positive for the participants involved. They can file the correct paperwork to make the adoption legal. Whether it is a surrogacy adoption, unknown father, multiple fathers, or deceased parents, we have the experience to help you complete your adoption - Guaranteed! (800)878-2109 We ensure that your adoption forms are ready to sign and file with the court in Delaware. No matter what your situation may be, we have the experience to help you complete your adoption. 1. Adopt a relative child who lives in Ontario.