Step-Parent Adoption

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In Minnesota, a step-parent is permitted to adopt their spouse's child if the parental rights of the other parent have been terminated. Termination may occur voluntarily, or involuntarily. Voluntary termination involves agreement to facilitate the adoption, while involuntary termination involves a court order following a finding of abandonment.

Step-parent adoption, in Minnesota, involves four key steps: (1) termination of parental rights; (2) a petition for adoption; (3) background checks by court services; and (4) a final hearing. The first step in the process of step-parent adoption, a termination of parental rights, is the most challenging aspects of these cases. The very nature of a step-parent adoption presumes that a child’s biological parent (typically, but not necessarily, the father) has been denied the ongoing right to a parent/child relationship. Termination of parental rights ……

Continue Reading An Overview of Step-Parent Adoption in Minnesota

Step-parent adoption is an enjoyable part of our family law practice. Here are a few of the key concepts: Termination of Parental Rights: Biological parent executes paperwork to terminate rights to child. Two week cooling off period applies. Petition: Remaining parent, and spouse, file Petition for Adoption with the Court with all relevant paperwork. Background Information: Some counties require a limited amount of background information gathered concerning the step-parent, including a criminal history. Hearing: Once the background check is ……

Continue Reading Step-Parent Adoption in Minnesota : Key Concepts

Step parent adoption is the most common forms of adoption in Minnesota. It involves a three-part process.

First, the parental rights of the biological father are terminated. Usually this is done on a voluntary basis, although in some instances and involuntary termination of parental rights will be necessary.

The court will not grant a voluntary…