The relationship between a stepparent and a stepchild is unique for every family. Some stepparents will take on a strong parenting role, while others remain a neutral party. For those who view their stepchildren as their own, adoption can be the final piece to the puzzle. This grants them legal rights over the child and can make a stepparent feel more like a “real” parent to the child. Adoption is always a lengthy process, but stepparent adoptions can be especially time-consuming if the child’s other biological parent is alive. Below is a breakdown of the step-by-step process.
The Legal Process
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Find an Adoption Attorney - Before starting any legal process, your first step should be to hire a qualified attorney. Adoption attorneys are especially important to ensure that nothing goes wrong during the proceedings. Without professional assistance, the adoption process can take much longer than anticipated, and some courts require legal representation in adoption cases. Finding an attorney who is well-versed in Illinois’ adoption laws will make you feel more secure about the legal process, allowing you to focus on other parts of the adoption.
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