If you are considering adopting a step-child in Oklahoma, you’ll find it’s a significant step that involves several legal steps. Step parent adoption is a process filled with both happiness and apprehension as to what to expect. Below is an easy-to-follow outline of what you can expect throughout the adoption process. We’ll cover everything from obtaining consent to finalizing the adoption, specifically focusing on the rules and procedures in Oklahoma.
Basics of Step-Child Adoption in Oklahoma
Adoption is a legal process where you gain parental rights to a child that is not biologically yours. For step-parents, this means you will have the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. In Oklahoma, the law allows step-parents to adopt their step-children if certain conditions are met. This process helps strengthen the bond between step-parents and their step-children, providing legal recognition of a relationship that may already exist in practice.
The Process: Legal Requirements
The first step in the adoption process is ensuring you meet the legal criteria set by Oklahoma law. You must be legally married to the child’s biological parent. The marriage creates a stable family structure and legally connects you to your step-child. Additionally, you must be a resident of Oklahoma for at least six months before starting the adoption process. This residency requirement helps the state ensure that the legal proceedings occur within the jurisdiction where the family lives.
Obtaining Consent
One of the most crucial steps in adopting your step-children is obtaining consent from all necessary parties. In Oklahoma, the biological parents of the child must usually give their consent for the adoption to proceed. However, if the other biological parent has abandoned the child for over twelve months or is deemed unfit because of reasons such as neglect or abuse, the court may not require their consent and may let the process go forward on an adoption without consent. This is done by a trial with the Judge in your case deciding the outcome. However, even with consents the Judge requires a hearing regarding the best interest of the child. The child’s consent may also be required if they are over twelve years old. Thus, this requirement is designed to respect the feelings and opinions of the child involved in the adoption process.
Filing The Petition For Adoption
Once you have obtained the necessary consents, you then file a petition for adoption with the district court in the county you live in. This petition is a formal request to the court asking to grant the adoption. It should include critical information such as your relationship to the child, the consent of the biological parent and any other relevant information that supports your case.
Finalizing The Step Parent Adoption
If the judge is satisfied with all the findings and consents, they will issue a final decree of adoption. This legal document officially makes you the child’s parent. From this point forward, you will have all the legal rights and responsibilities of a parent. For example, you will be able to make health and upbringing decisions. This is just as if the child were biologically yours.
After the adoption is finalized, you can apply for a new birth certificate for the child that lists you as the parent. This step is important as it updates legal documents to reflect the new legal relationship. You may also want to update other records, such as school and medical records and birth certificate, to ensure they accurately represent your new legal status as the child’s parent.
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Tulsa Adoption Lawyer
Adopting your step-child is a beautiful way to solidify the bonds of your blended family. While the process involves several legal steps and procedures, it ultimately provides a permanent and secure family relationship. A Tulsa adoption lawyer can clarify the legal process and guide you through adopting your step-children. To get started, contact Tulsa Divorce Attorneys & Associates by calling (539) 302-0303 or contacting us online for a consultation with an adoption attorney.