Step-parent adoptions are some of the most common adoptions in Oklahoma and elsewhere.
These types of adoptions quite often are a little easier to navigate through than other child adoptions such as a foster child adoption or a child with “special needs” adoption.
With that said, if you are considering this kind of adoption, you will be best served if you seek counsel from an experienced and accomplished family law attorney well versed in Oklahoma step-parent adoption procedure.
There likely will be other parties involved in the process that could potentially be a roadblock in your quest to adopt. Below are some answers to the more commonly asked questions in regards step-parent adoptions by Fry & Elder adoption attorney Luke Barteaux.
What is the Biggest Obstacle in Completing an Oklahoma Step-Parent Adoption?
Arguably the most important reason you should consult with a Tulsa adoption attorney is because generally the biggest hurdle associated with a step-child adoption is having the other birth parent provide consent.
Why is Attaining Consent from the Other Birth Parent in a Oklahoma Step-Parent Adoption so Difficult?
It is not difficult in every situation, but what makes it often challenging is that by providing consent the other birth parent will effectively be terminating his or her parental rights.
Naturally, some birth parents have an issue with this type of long-term transaction. One thing that may aid your cause is by bringing in a knowledgeable adoption attorney to discuss the options and the adoption process with the other birth parent and why an adoption might be the best outcome for all parties involved.
Can the Other Birth Parent Have His or Her Parental Rights Terminated if He or She Does Not Provide Consent?
Yes. If you are able to prove that the other parent is unfit or abandoned the child then a birth parent’s parental rights could come to an end, therefore eliminating the need for his or her consent for the adoption. Another way to do this would be to prove that when the other parent is male that the birth parent is not the biological father.
Luke Barteaux
What are the Additional Benefits of Oklahoma Step-Parent Adoption?
For starters, you will provide a sense of belonging and emotional security for the child, who will feel like they now have permanent place in the home. Adoption also reinforces a commitment and affection you have to the child and family as a whole.
Why You Should Consult with a Tulsa Adoption Attorney
Just the word adoption itself is one that can evoke a lot of emotions. While you might always have your child’s best interests in mind, it is good to get in-put and advice from a third party, like a trusted and experienced family law attorney.
Luke Barteaux and the rest of the Fry & Elder team of attorneys always have their client’s best interests in mind and want them to receive the best possible outcome.
Why Experience the Fry & Elder Difference?
Since 1932, the name Fry & Elder has been synonymous with Oklahoma legal excellence.
The firm has been named to highly-regarded U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List each of the past five years and its attorneys include the following:
- A 2018 Best Lawyers® Selection
- One of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma 2016
- Four attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Three attorneys AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
- A Cherokee Nation District Court Judge
- The 2018 Fern Holland Award Winner
- A 2017 OBA Earl Sneed Award Recipient
- The 2018 Tulsa County Bar Association Family Law Section Chair
- A 2017 Significant Sig Award Winner
Whether you are considering a step-parent adoption or are in need of consultation in another family law service, don’t hesitate to contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with an attorney experienced in Oklahoma step-parent adoption practices.