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Stepparent and Second Parent Adoption Attorneys and Legal Services

Stepparent and second parent (also called “conservatory”) adoption offer a way to formalize the love that already exists in your family. When you become an integral part of a child’s world — sharing everyday moments and providing daily support —stepparent adoption lets you make that relationship legally permanent.

This legal process transforms blended families into unified ones, providing security and recognition for the role you’ve already embraced. Foster + Bloom can guide you through this meaningful milestone with the expertise and warmth you deserve.

We’ll make sure your family’s legal foundation becomes as strong as its emotional one.

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Stepparent and Second Parent Adoption Services

We’ll handle the legal process for stepparent adoption. You can focus on what matters most: your family.

Our stepparent adoption legal services include:

  • Adoption Consultation and Case Assessment: To start, we learn your family’s story and evaluate the specific requirements for stepparent or conservatory adoption in your state. During this consultation, we’ll outline the path forward and address any concerns you may have.
  • Legal Documentation and Court Filing: Our team prepares and files all necessary legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with state laws.
  • Consent Navigation and Parental Rights Management: We help you navigate consent requirements, including situations where the other parent’s rights may need to be addressed. This often complex area requires experienced legal guidance.
  • Court Representation and Finalization: We advocate for your family in court hearings and guide you through the final steps, making the adoption official and permanent.
  • Post-Adoption Services: After everything is finalized, we remain available to answer questions about stepparent adoption inheritance rights, name changes or any additional legal matters that arise. We’re here for you as your newly formalized family moves forward.

Our Stepparent + Second Parent Adoption Attorneys

Profile Photo of Kelly Dempsey

Kelly Dempsey,
Managing Member/Founder

NC
Profile Photo of Janna Annest

Janna Annest,
Founding Member

WA
Profile Photo of Mary Beck

Mary Beck,
Founding Member

MO
Profile Photo of Joanna Beck Wilkinson

Joanna Beck Wilkinson,
Founding Member

AR, IL, KS, MO
Profile Photo of Michelle Evans

Michelle Evans,
Founding Member

CA
Profile Photo of Barbara Ginn

Barbara Ginn,
Founding Member

FL, OH
Profile Photo of Nicole Skellenger

Nicole Skellenger,
Founding Member

FL, IN
Profile Photo of Catelyn Slattery

Catelyn Slattery,
Founding Member

DC, MD, VA
Profile Photo of LeAnn Hoffman

LeAnn Hoffman,
Associate Attorney

DC, MD

Who Needs a Stepparent Adoption Attorney?

You might need legal guidance if you’re:

  • A stepparent who wants to formalize your role in your child’s life
  • Part of a same-sex couple where only one parent is legally recognized, even if you’re married
  • Parents through assisted reproductive technology who used sperm, egg or embryo donors
  • Facing complex consent situations where the other biological parent’s whereabouts are unknown
  • Planning to relocate or travel and need legal recognition across state lines
  • In a conservatory adoption situation where only one parent was initially recognized during an earlier adoption

We help families navigate these complexities so you can focus on what matters most: building your life together.

Stepparent Adoption Attorneys Near You

Ready to find the right second parent or stepparent adoption law firm? Our experienced team serves families across multiple states, including:

  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Maryland
  • Missouri
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington, D.C.
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What Our Clients Say

Foster + Bloom is the only nationwide law firm dedicated exclusively to family-building. That means more expertise and understanding throughout your stepparent adoption process.

We’re not just your lawyers — we are your trusted partners and guides who advocate for your family.

“Michelle Evans represented me in a family law custody case in 2014-2015. She was knowledgeable, helpful, responsible, and always kept me well informed. She gave me great advice from day one and was always extremely truthful and direct. When it came to litigation, Michelle was on point. She was a fierce litigator who fought to get her point across. Most of all, Michelle really cared about my case. I highly recommend the services of Michelle Evans and will definitely use her again in the future.” –Esteban

What Makes Foster + Bloom’s Stepparent and Conservatory Adoption Services Different?

Stepparent adoption is deeply personal — you’re not just completing a legal process, you’re officially recognizing the family bonds that already exist.

  • Expertise With Compassion: Every step we take honors the love that already exists while building the legal foundation you need.
  • Advocates for Modern Families: We celebrate every path that brings families together, including traditional stepparent situations and LGBTQ+ surrogacy situations.
  • Partners You Can Trust: Our partnership approach means you’ll always know what’s happening next and feel supported throughout your journey.

At Foster + Bloom, we know that stepparent adoption is about far more than paperwork. Stepparent and conservatory adoption honor the love your family shares and gives it the permanence and security of law. Let Foster + Bloom help you take the next step in building a lasting foundation for your family.

FAQ's

Stepparent adoption requirements vary by state, but they typically include being married to the biological parent, living in the state for a set period of time and passing standard background checks. Many states also require the stepparent to have lived with the child for a specific length of time. Our attorneys will walk you through exactly what’s needed in your area.
In some states, one or both LGBTQ+ parents may need to complete a stepparent adoption to gain full legal parental rights. Without formal adoption, you may face challenges making medical decisions, enrolling your child in school, relocating to other states or maintaining custody if something happens to the other parent. We'll evaluate your state's specific laws and your family's circumstances to determine whether stepparent adoption may be necessary.
Guardianship typically allows someone to make personal and medical decisions for a child, while conservatorship usually focuses on financial decisions. Adoption, however, goes a step further by creating a permanent parent-child relationship with full parental rights and responsibilities.
In most cases, yes. The court usually requires the other parent’s consent unless their parental rights have ended or they haven’t maintained contact or provided support. We can help evaluate your specific circumstances.
Stepparent adoption can provide important legal protection for non-genetic parents. Even with proper donor agreements and documentation during conception, some states still require formal adoption to establish full parental rights. We'll review your family's specific circumstances and your state's laws to determine whether stepparent adoption is necessary.
Yes, a stepparent can adopt if the biological parent is deceased. The court will consider the child’s best interests and may ask for input or consent from other relatives. We’re here to guide you through these sensitive circumstances with care.
Changing your child's last name after stepparent adoption is optional in most states. The decision is yours, and we can guide you through the name change process if you choose that path.