Who can Adopt in California?

Any adult living in California may file a petition to adopt a child who is at least ten years younger than the petitioner. Married couples are most likely to apply to become adoptive parents, although single and divorced people are not prohibited from adopting in California. The following persons generally may adopt:

• A husband and wife or two domestic partners, jointly.

• The unmarried minor birth parent of the person being adopted.

• An unmarried adult along with the birth parent of the person being adopted.

• An unmarried adult, individually.

• An adult who is married or has a domestic partner with the consent of their spouse or domestic partner.

• In California adoptions, the person adopting must be a California resident.

What is a Stepparent Adoption?

A stepparent adoption creates a legal relationship between a stepparent and stepchild that previously did not exist. It declares that the person being adopted (stepchild) is legally the child of the adoptive parent (stepfather or stepmother), and the child becomes the adopting parent’s legal heir.

The stepchild becomes entitled to all of the rights and privileges and subject to all of the obligations as if they were a child born to the adoptive stepparent.

A stepparent adoption only ends the rights of one of the birth parents. The spouse of the stepparent retains their rights as a biological parent of the child.

Our Mission

A successful adoption is the foundation upon which your new family’s future and happiness will be built. Make sure your family gets the best chance for success possible by working with Thunder Stone Paralegal.

Adoption isn’t a simple process. While the end goal of giving a child a loving home and family is one of the most virtuous things a person or couple can do, the state is extremely cautious in approving new adoptions. Any questions on an adoption approach, give us a call.

951 525 1340