Family Adoptions

A family adoption can refer to an adoption of a child who cannot be raised by either one or both of the biological parents.  In these cases, the child may be adopted by other relatives or, alternatively, by a new spouse or partner of the parent who has primary care of the child. When an adoption is finalized, the parent whose rights are terminated is no longer responsible for child support and may also lose contact with the child unless an agreement provides otherwise.

Frequently, a biological parent who is not involved in the child’s life will consent to an adoption by a committed new partner who wishes to assume full parental responsibilities and co-parent the child with the other biological parent.