Adoption

Stepparent Adoption

The most common form of adoption is by a stepparent who assumes financial and legal responsibility for his/her spouse’s child(ren) and the non-custodial parent is released from all parenting responsibilities.  The stepparent and biological parent must be married one year before an adoption petition can be filed.

Just as with any adoption, there must be a proper termination of the parental rights of child's biological parent who will be released from their parental rights and responsibilities.  This may be accomplished through a consent to adopt or an order terminating parental rights.

In certain cases, termination of parental rights followed by step-parent adoption may benefit both Mother and Father.  Once a child is adopted in a step-parent adoption, the current and future child support obligation of the absent biological parent is released.  Past child support arrears may be negotiated away (settled to zero) in most cases, with a consent to adopt.

Arizona law requires a social study in this matter be conducted and a report submitted to the Court by a licensed adoption agency.  The Court must be notified of the agency you have selected.

Relative Adoption

Relative adoptions" are not the same as "stepparent adoptions”.  Arizona adoption law defines a "relative" as "uncle, aunt, adult sibling, grandparent or great-grandparent of the child of the whole or half-blood or by marriage or adoption."

A social study in this matter be conducted and a report submitted to the Court by a licensed adoption agency.  The Court must be notified of the agency you have selected.

New birth certificates are issued, and adoption records are sealed in accordance with Arizona law.

Non-relative Adoption

Adoptions by a non-relative have many of the same requirements as do step parent and relative adoptions.  However, adopting parents must be certified to adopt.  Contact our office for additional information.