Stepparent Adoption Rights in Pennsylvania

An area of family law that is particularly satisfying, our law firm enjoys helping families welcome new members through the adoption process. A step parent adoption is desirable when a child resides with a biological parent who has married a person who is not the child's biological parent, but who wants to adopt the child. Frequently, step parent adoptions occur with the consent of both biological parents. Sometimes, however, step parent adoptions are complicated and are the subject of intense litigation. Whether consensual or not, our law firm can provide you with representation in any Pennsylvania step parent adoption case.

Custody Rights of Pennsylvania Stepparents

Stepparents may have the right to sue a custodial parent for partial custody or visitation of the custodial parent's minor children. This generally occurs when the stepparent and custodial parent have resided together and assumed the joint role of supporting and caring for the custodial parent's children. If the custodial parent denies access to the stepchildren, a stepparent can file a complaint for partial custody or visitation. In limited circumstances, if the stepparent's spouse was the custodial parent and dies, the stepparent may be able to be awarded primary custody of the custodial parent's minor children even if there is a surviving biological parent or other blood relatives.

Support Obligations of Pennsylvania Step-parents

Step-parents are not liable for the support of their stepchildren except in very limited and rare circumstances. Furthermore, a step-parent's income is not a factor in determining the amount of support that a parent will pay or a parent will receive for child support.