Stepparent Adoption Lawyers in Pittsburgh

Experienced Stepparent Adoption Attorneys Serving Pittsburgh Families

The bond between a stepparent and their stepchild can provide the kind of love and support that a child needs to grow and develop into adulthood. In some cases, a stepparent may wish to formalize this relationship through adoption, especially if the child's other legal parent is not in the picture. While adopting your stepchild can be a rewarding experience, the process can be complicated and time-consuming. To ensure that your adoption is successful, it is important to work with an experienced stepparent adoption lawyer in Pittsburgh. 

At Taybron Law Firm, LLC, our knowledgeable family law attorneys have decades of experience providing legal support to stepparents who are going through the process of adopting their stepchildren. We understand that there are unique challenges involved in this type of adoption, and we are dedicated to working diligently to help ensure that every legal requirement is met so that your stepparent adoption goes as smoothly as possible. We also know that stepparent adoption can often be a stressful process, especially if the child’s other parent is not voluntarily relinquishing their parental rights, so we strive to create a supportive environment where our clients and their families feel safe and secure as they navigate the complex legal system that governs stepparent adoptions. 

Understanding the Stepparent Adoption Process in PA

The first step to adopting your stepchild begins with notifying the child’s other legal parent that you are seeking to adopt the child. You will need to request and receive written consent from the child's other legal parent giving up their parental rights. If the child's other legal parent is unwilling to voluntarily relinquish their parental rights, you may be able to petition the court to terminate their parental rights under certain circumstances. 

These circumstances can include:

• The other parent has not performed any parental duties for at least 6 months
• The other parent has abused, neglected, or been incapacitated in a way that has harmed the child's mental or physical health, and they either cannot or refuse to remedy the situation
• The other parent is unknown or cannot be found
• The other parent has been convicted of a crime against the custodial parent

If the child is a newborn baby, the other parent must be aware of the child's existence and has refused to maintain substantive contact or provide substantial financial support. Whether you are seeking to adopt your stepchild with the consent of the other parent or you are pursuing a termination of their parental rights, it is critical that you consult an experienced stepparent adoption attorney who can help you understand your legal options. These cases can be extremely complex, and sound legal guidance can help to ensure a successful result. At Taybron Law Firm, LLC, our experienced stepparent adoption lawyers in Pittsburgh have the knowledge to guide you through each step of the process.