How to Sign Off Parental Rights for a Stepparent Adoption in Michigan

Stepparent adoption requires the biological parent to sign off her rights.

After a divorce, one parent typically receives primary placement of the marital children, while the other parent gets periods of visitation. At some point, the primary parent may end up remarrying and wish for the stepparent to adopt the child, especially if the non-custodial parent is a bad influence or has not maintained contact with the child. To allow the stepparent to adopt the child in the state of Michigan, the biological parent must first sign off his parental rights to the child.

Instructions

1. Receive notification that your child's stepparent would like to adopt him. When the other parent files the petition for adoption with the court, you will receive a completed copy of form PCA 303, Notification of Hearing, Termination of Parental Rights.

2. Attend the hearing as indicated on form PCA 303 that you received.

3. Sign form PCA 305, Release of Child by Parent, which indicates you understand you are voluntarily giving up all rights to this child and allowing her to be adopted by her stepparent in your stead.

Tips & Warnings

• You have 21 days to change your mind about giving up your rights to your child.

References

• Reliable Adoption: Michigan Stepparent Adoption
• Calhoun County Michigan Courts: Step Parent Adoption -- What is the Process in Filing a Step Parent Adoption

Resources

• Michigan Courts: Notice of Hearing, Termination of Parental Rights
• Michigan Courts: Release of Child by Parent