Stepparent Adoptions

As a growing number of families blend through marriage, stepparent adoption is becoming more common in the United States.

Perhaps you are a stepparent who would like to adopt your stepchild(ren), but are uncertain how to begin the process. You may be unsure if adopting your stepchildren is even possible given the involvement of their biological mother or father.

Located in Greenville, our office has been helping stepparents throughout South Carolina adopt their stepchildren for more than 30 years. Because of his role as both an adoption professional and an adoptive father, attorney Ray Godwin can relate to the same fears and uncertainties you may be facing in your unique adoption situation.

How To Pursue The Adoption Of A Stepchild

Most stepparent adoptions result from the remarriage of a divorced parent whose spouse adopts their child from their previous marriage. Other reasons for stepparent adoption can include financial situations, inheritance matters or children born out of wedlock.

Often in stepparent adoptions you are required to obtain the consent of a biological father or mother prior to adoption. However, consent is typically not required if the noncustodial parent has abandoned or failed to support or communicate with the child for certain time frames, or is deemed unfit to serve as a parent for reasons stemming from drug abuse or mental illness. Nevertheless, he or she must be provided with “notice” of the proceedings.

We will secure and process all the necessary legal documents for your adoption. Regardless of your circumstances, we will gladly offer counsel, address your concerns and assist in your efforts to unite your family through adoption.

Helping Your Family Grow

We understand how emotional and frustrating the stepparent adoption process can be. The unique variables surrounding each family situation can be complicated and discouraging. Having completed more than 2,500 adoptions, attorney Raymond Godwin can help guide you through the complexities of the process.

Our law firm’s reputation for comprehensive legal knowledge and compassion has earned our clients positive adoption results. Our law firm is devoted to your family’s long-term happiness and we encourage you to see how our professional and personal experience can help you complete your adoption.

Contact us today. You can call us at 864-241-2883 or reach us online. We will handle your unique situation with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.