GOWER LAW OFFICE - Your Trusted Partner in Adoption Legal Services

When a biological parent has passed away or is unable or unwilling to fulfill their responsibilities towards their children, it is often the stepparent or a relative who steps up to fill the void with love and support. Unlike other types of adoption, the stepparent adoption process and relative adoption process can be accomplished more swiftly.

The first step is to contact an adoption attorney who specializes in the laws and regulations surrounding adoption in your state. With our extensive expertise in stepparent and relative adoptions, we are well-versed in the intricate details of this legal process and can guide you every step of the way.

Consent to a child’s adoption is typically required from both biological parents in a stepparent or relative adoption. In a stepparent adoption, only consent from the parent who will not be a part of this new family relationship is required. A parent who relinquishes their parental rights transfers the care and responsibility of the child to the family member or stepparent.

In certain cases, involuntary termination of parental rights may be necessary, which although uncomfortable, may be the only viable step forward. Securing consent from the noncustodial parent(s) can sometimes be challenging. However, our experienced team at Gower Law Office has successfully worked through many stepparent and relative adoptions and is fully prepared to assist you in overcoming any obstacles that may arise.

Your petition for adoption is filed in Oklahoma County or Tulsa County, or the district court in which you live. Our dedicated team at Gower Law Office is proficient in drafting court-ready adoption forms. Once all the forms have been completed and consent has been obtained by one or both parents, your case is ready to be finalized. A hearing date will be set at the courthouse and the decree of adoption will be finalized by a Judge in a closed hearing.

As a stepparent or relative to an adopted child, your relationship with your child is already real and established, personally and emotionally. However, there are significant benefits to formalizing this personal bond through a legally recognized stepparent adoption or relative adoption.

One of the most advantageous aspects of a child adoption is the granting of parental rights. This legal recognition empowers you to make important decisions regarding your child's health, education, and emergencies. In a stepparent adoption, for example, if the biological parent is unavailable and there is an unfortunate event of a medical emergency requiring immediate medical care or surgery, your ability to give consent and make decisions on behalf of your stepchild would be legally established through the rights granted by a stepparent adoption.

As potential adoptive parents, it will also be necessary to conduct background checks for each parent or relative seeking to adopt a child. You also may be required to obtain a home study to ensure the minor child will be in safe surroundings once the adoption is completed.

Additionally, medical records for the child or children must be collected and introduced in the Court record. This process may be completed by our office or through a third party conducting an adoption home study.  

The adoption process in Oklahoma is complex. Securing an adoption involves collaborating with a local court, ensuring that consent to adoption is obtained from all the necessary parties involved, completing the required adoption forms, and ultimately finalizing the adoption through a court hearing.

Throughout this process, our team will work closely with you and your loved ones to finalize your child’s adoption, ensuring that we fully grasp your unique needs, circumstances, and aspirations. Armed with this knowledge, we will take decisive action to yield the best possible outcome in the most efficient and effective manner.

STEPPARENT OR RELATIVE CHILD ADOPTION

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ADOPTION

There are situations where a child, including a family member, is in the Oklahoma foster care system, waiting for a permanent family through adoption. You can offer these children a stable and loving home through the adoption process.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) adoption program helps find forever homes for children, whether a relative or foster parent for children in their care. An adoptive family is selected to ensure the child's long-term best interests and needs for the child.

Adopting a child through the State of Oklahoma requires a determination by the State that the child is eligible for adoption and that you, as an adopting parent, are not excluded. This is done by conducting background searches and having a home study done. The background search will verify no felonies or underlying reasons exist to disqualify you as an adoptive parent.

Adoption assistance may be available for children adopted through the foster care system. The assistance helps to secure and support safe and permanent adoptive families for children. Adoption assistance is designed to provide adoptive families of any economic stratum with needed social services, and medical and financial support to care for children considered difficult to place.

Federal and state law provides for adoption assistance benefits including Medicaid coverage, a monthly adoption assistance payment, special services, and reimbursement of non-recurring adoption expenses.

Contact Us Today

If you are considering adopting a child in Oklahoma or need assistance with any related issues, the Gower Law Office is here to help. We understand the importance of efficiently and effectively resolving all issues regarding child adoption services, and we will work directly with you to achieve the optimal outcome. Having worked on these and other related issues for almost 17 years, we at Gower Law Offices have extensive experience in navigating you through all your adoption legal issues.

We handle cases in most counties, including Oklahoma County, Cleveland County, and Canadian County. To discuss your specific adoption case with attorney Dustin Gower, please call us at 405-562-5652 or email our firm at gowerlegal@gmail.com for a free consultation. Payment plans are available.