Step-Parent Adoptions | Meeting the Tests of Support and Contact

Because not every reader will see all of the many comments and responses to comments, I want to call your attention to a very wonderful comment on a step-parent adoption blog post. In this comment, Nate explains the difficulties and the success his family experienced in terminating the parental rights of the biological father so the adoption could take place.

As many of you know, if the biological parent won't agree to the adoption, then the other parent must prove that the parent whose rights are sought to be terminated (a) did not have "regular and substantial contact" during the two years immediately preceding the filing of the petition for adoption and (b) did not have a "regular and substantial support relationship with the child" during the two years immediately preceding the filing of the petition for adoption. Parents pursuing a step-parent adoption feel caught in a dilemma where there is some sporadic contact and/or support.

You may read Nate's comment here, in which he explains thoroughly the facts about the contact and support and how the court dealt with that. Despite sporadic support and contact, this step-parent adoption was successful.

Other posts about step-parent adoption may be read here.

Need help with a step-parent adoption?