Step-parent adoptions are initiated for many reasons including changing the child’s name, establishing parental rights for the step-parent, or formally declaring the legal definitions of the family unit. Adopting one’s stepchild(ren) is the most common form of adoption. Step-parents who adopt their spouse’s biological child become the legal co-parent, accepting all parenting and legal responsibilities and obligations pertinent to rearing the child to adulthood just as the biological parent would. The non-custodial parent agrees to terminate their parental rights over the child.
