Adoption is the creation of a legal relationship of parent and child between two individuals. North Carolina recognizes the adoption of both minors and adults, however spouses cannot adopt one another. Adoption creates a special relationship that should be entered into with great care. If you are considering adoption, let Jennifer with Rutherford Robertson, P.A. assist you in this exciting new chapter. To learn more, please contact Rutherford Robertson, P.A. and schedule your confidential consultation.

Step-parent adoptions

If the biological parent of your stepchild is not in the picture, a step parent adoption might be appropriate for your family. The adoption will require that the absent biological parent consent to the adoption, unless that parent’s rights have been terminated. Other requirements are that you have lived in NC for 6 months, if the child is older than 12 then their consent to the adoption is required, and if married for two years then there will not be a need for a home study. Many benefits come with adoption your stepchild, some of which include being able to communicate with the child’s school, you can cover the child on your insurance, give the child inheritance rights, make medical decisions and access medical information.

Adult Adoptions

Adult adoptions are adoptions of anyone who is over the age of 18. In these adoptions, consent of the birth/legal parents is not required but may require notice to other family members. These adoptions are for when there is an informal parent/child relationship that was never legally formalized.