Laws in Texas on Step-Parent Adoption
Stepparent adoption is the process by which a parent's new spouse can become the legal second parent of a child. It is a good option when the child is estranged from the non-custodial parent and the stepparent will be taking responsibility for the child's care. Texas, like all states, has specific laws for stepparent adoption.
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Petitioners
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In a stepparent adoption in Texas, both the existing parent and the stepparent must petition to adopt the child together. This is because, under Texas law, married couples cannot adopt a child as individuals but must petition to adopt as a couple.
Consent
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If the child has a second legal or biological, but non-custodial, parent living, that parent must consent to the adoption. In Texas, a child over 12 years old must also consent to be adopted.
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Responsibilities
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A stepparent adoption creates a relationship between a stepparent and a child that is legally identical to the relationship between a child and a biological parent. An adoptive stepparent has all the rights and responsibilities of any other parent.
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References
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