Stepparent Adoption

What is a stepparent adoption?

A stepparent adoption is used to legalize the parent-child relationship between a stepparent and his/her spouse’s child. In a stepparent adoption, the stepparent assumes financial and legal responsibility for the spouse’s child, and the non-custodial parent is released from all parenting responsibilities, including child support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who must give consent for a stepparent adoption?

A: Consent of the biological parents is required unless:

  • the “parent has failed without justifiable cause to communicate with the minor or to provide for the maintenance and
  • support of the minor as required by law or judicial decree for a period of at least one year immediately preceding the filing of the adoption petition.”

This is a difficult standard to meet as Ohio courts have found merely sending birthday cards or letters is enough to require consent. The statute is generally construed in favor of the biological parent.

Consent is not required if the parent’s rights have already been terminated.

Q: Do I need to have a homestudy?

A: Yes. Ohio requires a homestudy for all adoptions, including stepparent adoptions.

Q: Do I need an attorney?

A: Some counties in Ohio permit stepparents to file adoption petitions pro se (without counsel); others require stepparents to be represented by an attorney. You should check on such requirements with the court where the adoption will be finalized.

Q: Are there any other special rules?

A: The final adoption decree cannot be issued until six months after the petition for adoption has been filed or until the child has lived in the stepparent’s home for at least six months.

Q: What can Building Blocks Adoption do to assist you with a stepparent adoption?

A: The State of Ohio requires the submission of a homestudy assessment to the court to complete a stepparent adoption. Building Blocks Adoption is licensed by the State of Ohio to participate in the placement of children. We can complete the homestudy, provide pre- and post-adoption services, and attend any court-mandated appearances.

Building Blocks Adoption has several licensed social workers on staff located throughout the State of Ohio to assist with homestudy and post-adoption needs. If you need legal counsel to complete your stepparent adoption, we can refer you to several law firms that provide such services.

Stepparent Adoption Homestudy Assessment Process:

  1.  Apply Online  The application fee is $200.00 Nonrefundable
  2. Obtain access to the Adoption Portal to start processing your stepparent homestudy assessment.
  3. Download your homestudy assessment contract. Review it, Ask Questions, and return it to Building Blocks Adoption Service Inc.(BBAS) with your payment.
  4. Once BBAS receives your contract and fee, we can start the homestudy assessment.

Documents Generally Required

  • Marriage certificate
  • Financial Form
  • Medicals
  • References
  • Copy of Driver’s License
  • FBI/BCI
  • Safety Audit
  • Fire inspection

Additional documents may be required per the court.

What is Stepparent Adoption?

Online Forms and Contact Info

BBAS.org – Building Blocks Adoption Service Inc.