In some cases, one biological parent passes away or leaves the child’s life. The child often creates a strong bond with a stepparent who assumes the parental role of the missing mother or father in the child’s eyes. This can be heartwarming and heart-wrenching at the same time, as the custodial parent may worry about what would happen if the biological parent tried to come back into the child’s life after the child has bonded so strongly with the stepparent.
Legal Steps to Complete a Stepparent Adoption in Pennsylvania
In situations where the biological parent has had no contact at all with the child (no phone calls, gifts, cards, etc.) for a period of 6 months or more, the custodial parent can file to terminate the parental rights of the biological parent and file an adoption petition to permit the stepparent to adopt the child legally.
At Tanner Law, we will work with you to terminate the biological parent’s parental rights and finalize the adoption of your child by the stepparent. Our lawyers represent families in Harrisburg, Camp Hill, and other communities throughout Central Pennsylvania.
Call our firm today to schedule a consultation about stepparent adoption. Call 717-731-8114 or contact us online.