Step Parent Adoption Law and Legal Definition
Both biological parents, if living, must consent or agree to a stepparent adoption. When a stepparent adopts a stepchild, either the non-custodial parent of the child willingly gives up his or her parental rights to the child, or the court terminates the parental rights of a biological parent if there is evidence of abuse or neglect to the child. If a parent is not involved in the child's life, the court can terminate that biological parents rights on the grounds of abandonment. Grounds for abandonment in most states are no contact between the parent and child for at least one year.
The following is an example of a state statute defining the term:
"Stepparent adoption" means an adoption of a child by a stepparent where one birth parent retains custody and control of the child.”[Cal Fam Code § 8548]
Legal Definition list
Related Legal Terms
- Abandonment [Intercountry Adoption]
- Absent Parent
- Accredited Agency [Adoption]
- Accredited Body [Adoption]
- Accrediting Entity [Adoption]
- Adequate Parental Care
- Adoption
- Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS)
- Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA)
- Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980
