Are You Sure. . .That Stepchild Adoption is Too Hard?

Let’s face it, you never expected to end up here considering a stepchild adoption. A broken road has brought the two of you together. . . and your children from a previous relationship. Now that you’re here, things are sweet … and peaceful … and more stable than you thought life could be.

What Role Has the Other Parent Played?

The other parent of your child hasn’t played any meaningful role in their life for months (if not years). Your child loves your spouse and your spouse loves your child. The little guy asked you just last week if he could be adopted and share the same last name. And your heart melted.

Everything seems to be lining up for your stepchild adoption, but you have concerns.

You don’t want to “poke the bear.” What if the natural parent learns of the adoption and comes forward just to make trouble and “claim their rights”? Maybe you should leave well enough alone?

Express and Implied Consent to Adoption

There’s good news for stepparents. Alabama has both express and implied consent mechanisms. Express consent is where a parent signs their name verifying that they give their blessing to the child being adopted.

On the other hand, Implied consent is found where there have been four months of the natural parent abandoning the child, or failing to maintain any significant relationship with the child. Those things are often measured by financial support and attempted communication with the child. If four months have gone by with none of that, then you will likely have implied consent. You don’t need the natural parents express signed consent.

How Expensive is Adoption?

Finances is another obvious concern. I get it, you likely don’t have $50,000 in savings and tons of excess cash flow. You and your spouse likely both work and between making ends meet and chipping away at debt, there isn’t much left over.

There’s more good news. Stepparent adoptions don’t cost an arm and a leg. In fact, Stepchild adoptions are intended to be the least expensive of all types of adoptions. Recently, the Legislature added a lean homestudy requirement. That costs around $1,000. The legal fees will vary based on the county where we can file the petition for adoption, and the difficulty of managing the natural parent’s consent. In the best of circumstances, the legal fees can be under $3,000. However, things are rarely as efficient as possible. A good rule of thumb is to budget $7,000 for the legal fees.

When Is the Right Time to Pursue Adoption?

So, when is the right time to adopt your stepchildren? If you asked you stepchild, the answer would probably be “yesterday.” If you feel like both your child and your spouse are emotionally ready, then please set up a consultation today to explore the mechanics and wisdom of moving forward, now. 334-546-2009