Step-Parent Adoption

Experienced Alabama Step Parent Adoption Lawyers

Adopting a step-child is a complex process that should only be undertaken with a comprehensive understanding of the rights and obligations associated with adopting a child. At Gina H. McDonald & Associates, L.L.C., in Birmingham, Alabama, we are committed to helping couples build stronger families through adoption. Our lawyers have significant experience helping clients take the necessary steps to adopt their spouse's children.

If you have questions about adopting a step-child,
Please contact Gina H. McDonald & Associates at (205) 453-4497

The first and most difficult step in adopting a step child is terminating the parental rights of the biological mother or father. In most cases, this requires their consent, unless the biological parent has died or is convicted of child abuse. While step-parent adoptions may occur without the consent of the biological mother or father, they are nonetheless extremely difficult. In cases where the parent is involved in the child's life, such adoptions are nearly impossible.

When parental rights are terminated for the purpose of step-parent adoptions, the biological parent is no longer required to pay child support, and as the line of dissent is eliminated, the child has no claims on the estate of the biological parent. Moreover, the biological parent no longer has a legal right to visit the child and the adoptive parent takes on all of obligations, even if a divorce later occurs.

Step-parent adoptions are among the most common form of adoption in the United States and create stability for children. Our firm is dedicated to helping facilitate the adoption of step-children.

Contact our Skilled Step-Parent Adoption Attorneys

If you are the considering adoption your spouses children from a former marriage, please contact Gina H. McDonald & Associates, L.L.C. We can be reached by phone at (205) 453-4497, by e-mail, or by filling out the confidential in-take form on our Contact Us page.