Adoption
Stepparent Adoptions
Helping stepparents permanently join the legal family — including in contested cases.
Why families pursue stepparent adoption
A stepparent adoption gives the custodial parent and the child the peace of mind that the child will not return to an absent or unsafe non-custodial parent. It also formalizes the love and stability the stepparent already provides every day.
When stepparent adoption is possible
Whether a stepparent adoption can move forward depends on the facts — the child's relationship with the non-custodial parent, the history of support and contact, and whether consent or termination of parental rights is required. We evaluate each case honestly so families know what to expect.
Consent of the non-custodial parent
“When the non-custodial parent consents to the adoption, the process moves more quickly and less expensively.”
When the non-custodial parent consents to the adoption, the process moves more quickly and less expensively. We make sure consents are properly drafted and executed in compliance with New Mexico law.
Contested stepparent adoptions
When the non-custodial parent does not consent, the adoption may still proceed if statutory grounds for terminating that parent's rights exist. We have litigated these cases successfully, and we approach them with the rigor they require.
The role of the child in the process
Older children often have a meaningful role in the stepparent adoption process. We help families understand how the child's wishes are considered and how to support the child through the legal steps.
Finalization and the new family record
“After the court grants the stepparent adoption, a new birth certificate can be issued reflecting the stepparent as a legal parent.”
After the court grants the stepparent adoption, a new birth certificate can be issued reflecting the stepparent as a legal parent. We help families complete that final step.