Omaha Stepparent Adoption Lawyer

Adoption is one of the most gracious and permanent ways to show your love for a child. This is especially true for stepparents entering a new family unit with their spouse and stepchild. On a personal level, the process can be extremely emotional because you are legally declaring your intention to parent your stepchild. However, with this act of love comes great responsibility and a lengthy legal process. Laws regarding adoption, both state and federal, are constantly changing and evolving to streamline the process and protect the best interests of the child. This can make it difficult for the average person to navigate the system alone. Working with a family law attorney specializing in stepparent adoption In Omaha, Nebraska can ease the legal burdens so you can focus on what’s important—your new family.

Omaha Adoption Attorneys Proudly Representing New Families

At Stange Law Firm, our attorneys understand the complexities of stepparent adoption and are here to help you every step of the way. We have successfully represented many clients in stepparent adoptions and are passionate about helping families grow. Whether you are just starting to consider the adoption process or have already started, we can provide guidance and support for the exact stage you are in. Reach out to our team of Omaha family law attorneys today and see just how easy the process can be.

How Do I Adopt My Stepchild ?

The first step in any stepparent adoption is to file a Petition for Adoption with the court. This document will include the names and contact information for yourself, your new spouse, and your soon-to-be official stepchild. Once the petition is filed, the court will set a date for a hearing. At the hearing, you and your spouse will be sworn in and asked a series of questions by the judge to ensure that the adoption is in the child’s best interest. After the hearing, the court will issue a Decree of Adoption, which is the final legal document that completes the process.

What Are the Requirements for Stepparent Adoption in Omaha?

The requirements for stepparent adoption in the state are as follows:

• You must be married to the child’s biological parent.
• You must be at least 21 years of age.
• You must reside in the state.
• The child must have resided in your home for at least six months.
• The child must be under the age of 18.

If these requirements are not yet met, you will likely need to focus on building your relationship with your stepchild and wait until they have lived in your home for the necessary amount of time. Once the six-month mark has passed, you can then begin the legal process of adoption.

Who Can Be Adopted in Omaha?

In Nebraska, any child under the age of 18 can be adopted, regardless of whether they are related to the adoptive parent or not. This includes stepchildren, foster children, and children who have been orphaned. The most important factor, however, is that any adoption must be in the child’s best interests.

Factors that indicate whether an adoption is in the best interest of the child may include:

• The child’s age
• The child’s relationship with their biological parent and custody arrangement
• The child’s relationship with their adoptive parent
• The stability of the child’s home life
• Divorce-related factors, including the living situation of any siblings the child may have
• The financial stability of the adoptive parent
• The criminal history of the adoptive parent
• Any special needs of the child

Some factors that could indicate to the court that an adoption is not in the best interest of the child may include:

• The child is over the age of 14 and objects to the adoption.
• The child has a close relationship with a sibling who is not being adopted.
• The child has a close relationship with another family member who is not related to the adoptive parent.
• The child has a close relationship with their foster family.

If you are considering adopting a child who falls into any of these categories, it is important to speak with an experienced Omaha family law matters attorney to discuss your legal options and whether the adoption is likely to be in the best interest of the child.

What Are the Benefits of Stepparent Adoption?

Stepparent adoption has many benefits, both for the child and the adoptive parent. The child will gain a new legal relationship with their adoptive parent, which can give them a sense of security and belonging. The child will also gain access to their adoptive parent’s medical and financial resources. In some cases, the child may even be able to take the adoptive parent’s last name.

The adoptive parent will also gain legal rights and responsibilities for their new stepchild. This includes the right to make decisions about the child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing. The adoptive parent will also be financially responsible for the child and will be able to pass on their inheritance to the child. They are essentially gaining the same rights as if the child were their biological offspring.

Why Do I Need an Adoption Lawyer?

The adoption process can be complex, and it is important to have an experienced Omaha family law attorney on your side to guide you through the process and protect your rights. An attorney can help you:

• Determine if you meet the requirements for adoption
• File the necessary paperwork with the court
• Serve notice to the child’s biological parent
• Obtain the consent of the child’s biological parent
• Represent you in court
• Handle any appeals
• Obtain the final adoption decree