If you are thinking about adopting your partner's children, you probably already know how stressful adoption can be for everyone in your family. After all, according to Psychology Today, adoption can bring about family conflict, especially if not everyone is fully on...
stepparent adoption
Tips for same-sex couples wanting to adopt in North Carolina
Adoption is a major decision under any circumstances. And while same-sex couples rights in the U.S. have come a long way in the past 15 years, there’s always an underlying question about discrimination. Here are a few things same-sex couples can do to prepare for...
How can stepparents bond with their partner’s kids?
When you met the love of your life, his or her children may have made you feel a bit uncomfortable. After all, according to Psychology Today, your partner's children may view you as an interloper. They also may reject your blended family and dream of the day their...
Do the kids have to consent to a stepparent adoption?
If you are living with unofficial stepkids, you know how difficult the arrangement can be. After all, even though you act as a mother or father figure, the law does not recognize your relationship. This can make it challenging to work with school officials, doctors,...
Can you adopt the biological child of your same-sex spouse in NC?
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage in the country paved the way for partner adoptions. North Carolina responded with the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, prohibiting discrimination based on the prospective parents’ or child’s sexual...
How can you talk to your biological kids about adopting your stepkids?
While adopting stepkids can provide your stepchildren with a sense of stability, you also have to consider your biological children. Your kids may have different questions about the process and why you plan to adopt more children. When talking to your biological...
What should you expect following a stepparent adoption?
When you decide to step up and adopt your stepchildren, you typically have your kids' best interests in mind. According to WebMD, stepparents generally consider adoption after a long absence from the noncustodial parent. The absence causes enough emotional turmoil...
Do children benefit from stepparent adoptions?
If you have a blended family, you may be thinking of turning your informal parent-child relationships into official ones. While there are many considerations to address when deciding whether to adopt your stepkids, doing so may be good for them. Stepparent adoptions...
Stepparent adoption and child support
If you are considering adopting your partner's child or you currently have custody of your child and want to learn more about stepparent adoption, it is vital to go over many different topics. In addition to having the consent of the noncustodial parent and even the...
Involuntary termination of parental rights in North Carolina
Before you can adopt a child, termination of the biological parent's parental rights must take place. This means that the birth parents no longer have rights to the child that the law would otherwise confer on them automatically. In most adoption cases, biological...