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. Procedures are generally simpler than for other types of adoption, however, step parent adoption law varies from state to state. State step parent adoption laws address issues such as consents from the non-custodial parent, how long the step parent and biological parent must be married before an adoption petition can be filed, whether or not a homestudy is required, and other requirements.
Lund Family Center can assist you through this process in Vermont.
For information, contact Wanda Audette at (802) 864-7467 or wandaa@lundfamilycenter.org
PO Box 4009