Everything You Should Know About Stepparent Adoption in Oklahoma
Stepparent adoption in Oklahoma grows more popular every day. People now see the profound effect adoption can have on someone’s life. Children benefit emotionally from having two parents in their lives. Adopting a child could be the change that saves them from a lifetime of hardship. Group homes and adoption centers regularly fail to give the children they need to unlock their true potential.
Families that have children from past relationships have the opportunity to unite through adoption. Stepparents can give their children a life filled with health care, inheritance, and family love. Thousands of children live without parents in the Oklahoma Department of Human Services adoption agencies and believe they will never have family over their own. Make your stepchildren feel they have a place they belong.
However, sometimes the bureaucracy and paperwork surrounding adoption can be difficult to navigate. If you live in Oklahoma and are interested in becoming a stepparent, it’s best to contact an Oklahoma-based adoption lawyer.
Stepparenting vs. Adoption
Most people do not know the difference between stepparenting and adoption. People use the terms interchangeably because the implications of one easily apply to the other. For example, two people are dating – however, only one of the people has a child. If the child lives with said parent, they may consider the person a stepparent. Some people may label that person as an adoptive parent, even though the stepparent has yet to complete the official adoption process.
The problem here is the obligation associated with both titles. A stepparent has no actual obligation to support their spouse’s children. Adoptive parents, on the other hand, maintain every obligation associated with parenthood. That means an adoptive parent must support their spouse’s children in every way a biological parent would. To most stepparents, caring for their stepchildren is not a big deal. Adoption is a much more serious matter that requires great thought and deliberation.
If you worry about the more intricate details associated with adoption consider speaking with an adoption attorney in Tulsa. By doing so, prospective adoptive parents can gain a better understanding of what it means to legally adopt a child. Attorneys also help stepparents find adoption agencies that best suit the needs of the children and parents involved. Becoming a stepparent is a great thing, but all parties involved should fully understand the significance of the procedure.
The Stepparent Adoption Process
Stepparents who are not married to their significant other, may not officially adopt a child. Even if the stepparent has other children with their significant other, It is not a matter of time – it’s a matter of direct relation. Oklahoma courts cannot establish a direct relationship through legal documentation; therefore, a person cannot adopt their significant other’s child.
Adopting a child is more than just allowing them to stay with you. Once you adopt a child, you agree to act as a parent would. Adoptive stepparents agree to cloth, house. feed and raise a child until they become an adult. Failure to do so may result in your arrest. By adopting a child, parents obtain their parental rights which allow a stepparent to make decisions legally on behalf of the child.
Before finalizing an adoption, Oklahoma does its due diligence by ensuring the stepparents are capable of caring for a child. Several background checks, home studies, and various amounts of legal paperwork need completion before Oklahoma family courts will approve stepparent adoption.
Adult Adoption
Older children and teenagers face unique challenges when dealing with adoptions. Since children above the age of 12 and older have some say in adoption, they must consent before the process can go forward. If one of the biological parents does not want to relinquish their parental rights., the child may be better off waiting until they are 18 to undergo adoption. While waiting may seem like an unwanted deterrent, the ultimate outcome will likely result in a successful adoption.
Relinquishing Custody and Parental Rights
One thing that often halts an adoption in progress is custody and parental rights. Through adoption, one person will gain parental rights over someone else’s children Normally, this means some will either lose their parental rights voluntarily or without their permission. Because of the nature of losing one’s rights as a mother or father over a child, this matter is often very personal. Even when adoptive parents offer something biological parents can not, some people will never give up their parental rights voluntarily.
In cases like this, stepparents have a few options to go about obtaining the parental rights of their spouse’s children. Hiring an adoption attorney in Tulsa can help communicate the important benefits a child can receive when adopted. Stepparents can leave behind an inheritance that can no one easily contest. Medical benefits such as health care and insurance are made more available for adopted children.
Child custody is another matter that adoptive parents must consider when trying to obtain a biological parent’s parental rights. Many parents wonder if they can see their children if they relinquish their parental rights. Parents don’t have to leave their children’s lives entirely if they relinquish custody and parental rights.
LGBTQ Marriage Adoptions
Once a stepparent is ready to adopt their stepchild, they should call a Tulsa adoption attorney to pick an accommodating adoption agency. Oklahoma has several adoption agencies that specialize in helping people from specific backgrounds. Note, that same-sex marriage adoptions are subject to rejection due to Oklahoma passing a bill in 2018. The bill states that faith-based agencies reserve the right to deny anyone who goes against the organization’s morals or beliefs.
Due to the passing of the bill, Oklahoma allows faith-based adoption agencies to deny people who do not align with their beliefs. For example, a Christian organization may deny a person or couple because of gender, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. That means LGBTQ, non-Christian, and non-religious people may have their adoption requests denied because of this. That said, most adoption agencies have no faith-based affiliations.
Free Consultation with a Tulsa Stepparent Adoption Attorney
Every child deserves a loving family and a wonderful home; however, many Oklahoma children are left with no sense of either. As a stepparent, your children may need you for support. Sometimes support is only available to direct family members. In cases like this, adoption may be the best option. If your spouse or stepchildren seek adoption, call a Tulsa adoption attorney to see how you can set up your stepchild adoption.
Call the Divorce of Tulsa Law Office at 918-924-5526 to set up your free stepparent adoption consultation. You can also fill out our free consultation contact form located on this page.
