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Shyama S. Parikh, P.C. | Attorney At Law
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Protecting You And Your Family As You Journey Through Resolving Your Legal Concerns

Lake County, Illinois, Stepparent Adoption Lawyer

You found love in Lake County, and the relationship came with the responsibility to raise a child from a previous relationship. Illinois law has a legal process to follow before you can gain full parental rights. And working with a stepparent adoption Illinois lawyer can make the process smoother.

At Shyama S. Parikh, P.C., our lawyers have helped clients in Waukegan and throughout Lake County navigate complex family matters since 2003, including stepparent adoption. We understand your situation is unique; that is why we will listen to you before developing a personalized strategy to resolve it. We also speak Spanish, Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu.

Understanding Stepparent Adoption In Illinois And What It Accomplishes

Under the Illinois Adoption Act, stepparent adoption can help you create a permanent legal parent-child relationship with the adopted child. Once finalized, as a stepparent, you get the same legal rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. It allows the issuance of a new birth certificate and can also create inheritance rights.

Pursuing Stepparent Adoption: What Might Be The Key Reasons?

Common reasons for stepparent adoption may include:

  • A married stepparent wants to adopt their spouse’s child formally.
  • The other biological parent is absent or uninvolved.
  • Existing parenting plans no longer reflect the child’s best interests.

Our attorney can help evaluate your situation and fight for your parental rights.

What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Stepparent Adoption?

To be eligible for the stepparent adoption, Illinois law generally requires the following:

  • You must be legally married to the child’s biological parent.
  • As a stepparent, you must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must have lived in Illinois for at least six months.
  • You must file your petition with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where you reside, where the child lives or where the biological parents reside.

Children age 14 or older typically must provide written consent to the adoption under Illinois law. Our lawyers can help ensure the whole process runs smoothly.

Consent And The Other Parent’s Rights Termination

The biological parent surrendering the parental rights must voluntarily sign consent forms for the stepparent to be granted the rights. The consent for stepparent adoption may not be required if:

  • The other parent is deceased.
  • The parents’ rights were previously terminated.
  • The parent abandoned the child or failed to maintain contact or support.

Our team can help gather evidence and fight for your rights.

Schedule A Free 30-Minute Consultation With A Waukegan Attorney

Are you unsure how to adopt a stepchild in Illinois? We take the fear out of second-parent adoption. Call Shyama S. Parikh, P.C., at 847-557-1517 today or send an email to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.