In my first post on how to adopt a stepchild, I explained three factors that must be present in your situation before you can begin the stepparent adoption process. Click here to read that post.

In every stepparent adoption, the absent biological parent’s (usually the father) rights must be dealt with. Most people think that if the absent biological father has not seen the child in a long time, his consent will not be required. Under Nebraska statutes, the absent biological father must be notified of the proposed adoption. He may not reply, but he must be given notice nevertheless. This is usually the longest part of the stepparent adoption process and can be done in different ways, depending on the situation.

It bears repeating that your stepparent adoption cannot be done without attempting to notify the absent parent in some way. There are a few exceptions to this. You should consult an adoption attorney to find out if your situation falls under one of the exceptions to that requirement.

If you are ready to begin the stepparent adoption process today, click here to begin.

Bundy Law LLC specializes in adoptions, including step-parent adoptions, domestic adoptions, “re-adoption” for international adoptions, representation for birth mothers, representation for birth parents, relative adoptions, adult adoptions and foster care adoptions.

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