Michele Gentry Hinz's Answers

Procedure for step parent adoption in WA state

Here is the basic procedure for stepparent adoption in Washington. Just to keep this answer easy to read, I am going to assume that the child is a boy. The stepfather files a petition to adopt the stepson. The mother will need to join in the petition with the stepfather and if the child is over 14 years old, he will need to consent to being adopted by his stepfather. The rights of the biological father need to be dealt with. The fact that he is willing to consent is good news and should...

8 people marked this answer as helpful

I want to Adopt my Step Daughter. How do i do it?

I commend you for your responsibility and your concern for your fiancee’s child. Here is a brief overview of how Washington law applies to a situation like yours: It may be surprising, but even though the biological father is not listed on the child’s birth certificate, the law does require that you deal with his rights. Typically the simplest and least expensive way to do this is to get his consent, on a consent form that meets the requirements of the law. An adoption lawyer can...

3 lawyers agreed with this answer

1 person marked this answer as helpful

Biological father has never paid child support or seen child in over a year, under WA law has he officially an abandoned parent

It is possible that you could resolve this in a pretty straightforward, low-conflict way. If your daughter's biological father will consent to having your husband adopt her, a stepparent adoption in Washington can be pretty simple. In Washington, we have a law that might help you get the biological father to consent to the adoption. This law provides for enforceable Open Adoption Agreements. If you and he can agree on some level of communication and contact (letters, photos, an...

7 people marked this answer as helpful

How do I adopt my 3 stepchildren without consent in wa?

As you know, you need to deal with the rights of your stepchildren’s biological mother. Although it sounds like you are pretty confident she will not consent, it may still be worthwhile to have an adoption attorney contact her about the subject. Sometimes the discussion with the attorney goes better than it would with the father or stepmother, perhaps because of relationship issues between the parties. If it is not possible to contact the biological mother, or to get her consent, there...

Selected as best answer

I have two adult step children I would like to formally adopt. I can't seem to find the petition form(s) neccessary.

Adult adoption in Washington is a pretty straightforward process. A social worker’s report is not required and it is not necessary to notify or get consent from the birth father. It IS necessary for the mother to join with your petition to avoid having the adoption inadvertently terminate her parental rights as well as the birth father’s. In some counties you can get a forms packet from the Superior Court Clerk, although I don't see that there are any listed on the Kitsap County Superior...

Selected as best answer

Adult Step Parent Adoption - Thurston County, WA

I find that Pierce County is very helpful. They have forms in their law library at the courthouse. You don't need to file in your home county, so you might want to consider filing in Pierce. Essentially though, in any county, your husband files a Petition for Adoption (along with a $250 filing fee - payable to the Clerk of Court). It is important for you sign the Petition as well, joining in it, so that the adoption does not inadvertently terminate your parent-child relationship with...

Selected as best answer

What is the procedure for adopting step child if biological mother is willing to sign over her rights

There are several steps, but it is a common process - known as step-parent adoption. It certainly can be done. No need to be stressed out. You will file a petition to adopt your stepson. Your husband will need to join in the petition and if your stepson is over 14 years old, he will need to consent to being adopted by you. As you know, you need to deal with the rights of the biological mother. The fact that she is willing to consent is good news for you and should help simplify the...

3 people marked this answer as helpful

I have a no contact parenting plan in the state of WA. Do I need fathers consent to get a step parent adoption

I agree with Mr. Hawkins that the birth father's rights need to be terminated, either on the basis of his consent, or involuntarily. There are three basic scenarios: 1. If you can locate the father and he is willing to consent, that will probably be the simplest and least expensive way to go. Washington law permits would permit you to enter into an enforceable communication agreement with him (perhaps to send him periodic photos and/or updates if you are willing). Since he currently...

1 lawyer agreed with this answer

How does a stepparent adopt when there is a permanent no-contact order in place against the biological father? WA State.

As a practical matter, an adoption attorney can approach the biological father to see whether or not he would be willing to consent to the adoption of the children by the stepfather. If he will consent, then you would not need to go to the expense of attempting to terminate his rights involuntarily. If he will not consent, the statute Mr. Bassett refers to above sets out the standard that the court would use in deciding whether or not to terminate the rights of the biological father. It...

2 people marked this answer as helpful

Stepfather wants to adopt his adult stepdaughter

In Washington your stepfather can adopt you as long as you consent. Your biological father's consent is not required and there is no legal requirement that you notify him. There is also no homestudy requirement since you are an adult. One potential problem, however, is that the adoption would be likely to cut off your legal connection to your biologicasl mother's side of your family as well as to your biological father's. Check the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys website (www....

2 people marked this answer as helpful