Page 9 - BSB_5_23

SBy Brooke Irey, Attorneytep-parents can be an integral part of a child’s life. Unfortunately, a step-parent has no legal rights totheir step-child. People often ask how a step-parent can adopt their step-child. The first step in a step-parent adoption process is that the other parent’s rights have to be terminated. The exception to this is when the other biological parent is deceased. The parent that has custody will need to fille a petition to terminate parental rights. To determine if you have grounds to terminate parental rights you should consult with a lawyer. One of the most common grounds to terminate is the biological parent has not paid court ordered child support in over six months. Termination of parental rights must be done before the court can grant aStep-Parent Adoptions step-parent adoption.Once parental rights are terminated the adoption process can continue. The parent and step-parent will both file for adoption. The step-parent and child must have lived together in the same home for at least six months before filing for adoption. Once the adoption petition is filed, a home study will need to be conducted. Your attorney will be able to recommend a home study evaluator. The evaluator will interview you and your spouse, the child to be adopted, any other children that you and your spouse have as well as any other people living in your house and people who have seen you with your step-child. A criminal and child protective services (CPS) background check will be done on the step-parent and any adultsliving in the home. If the step-parent has any criminal record they will need to discuss this with their lawyer to see if this will prevent them from adopting.If the child is over the age of twelve, the child will need to consent to the adoption. The child’s name can also be changed during the adoption and a new birth certificate will be issued. Adoptions are such a happy occasion and bring so much joy. We can help with step-parent, private or CPS adoption.Brooke Irey, Attorney Branch Family Law549 Heimer Rd., Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78232 (210) 229-2088 www.branchfamilylaw.comv Family Matters vMario’s Pizza and Wine Bar for RomanceLBy Lou Dugganooking for a romantic restaurant to take a spouse of friend? Thinking Italian with a glass of wine? Youwon’t be disappointed with Mario’s Pizza and Wine Bar. Not just good pizza, their Italian entrees are amazing! Family-owned by Jerry and Mary Gerardo, located at 29774 Highway 281 N in Bulverde, the restaurant is welcoming, intimate, and romance perfect! You will NOT be disappointed.“When you visit Mario’s Pizza, and Wine Bar you’ll be quenching each and every one of your amazing senses,” Jerry Gerardo proudly states. “From the minute you’re greeted at the door your sense of sight kicks in, you are surrounded with beautiful limestone walls as black and copper lighting give the room a Tuscan feel. Your sense of smell immediately takes in the scent of freshly baked goods. Your sense of sound listens to a perfectly selected playlist setting the mood for the rest of the evening. Sure, you can touch the cool, smooth granite bar top as you’re led to your table...but bringing it all together is your sense of taste! The wine, the food, the ambiance immerses you into your own personal heaven. At Mario’s, we’re more than just a restaurant, we’re a family. We believe that food should be shared with the people you love, and our cozy atmosphere and delicious Italian dishes reflect that philosophy.”“When it comes to our menu,”adds Mary Gerardo,“we take pride in serving our classic Italian dishes that are made with love and care. “From our New York crust pizzas to our handmade pastas. Everything on our menu is made fresh to order using the highest quality ingredients. In May we are adding lobster with spaghetti to our menu. For dessert, treat yourself to some of our crisp cannoli’s, moist chocolate cake, tiramisu, orMother - continued from page 6Education and taught kindergarten and PE. Always very active, she loved swimming, canoeing, camping, and hiking.Over the years over their adventures, they have backpacked across Europe, gone Jeeping in Ouray, Colorado, and enjoyed the surf in the sleepy communityof Manhattan Beach, California.Mother was a down to Earth parent,vigorously encouraged outdoor play, and has a great sense of humor mixed with a bit of mischievousness. April Fool’s Day is her favorite holiday!Mario’s Pizza & Wine Bar“Love this place! Great food, stunning Tuscan vibe for families & couples to enjoy”- GG, customer.Catering • Private Dining • Restaurant Buy-OutsSATURDAY NIGHT LIVE MUSICBlue Plate Award By News4 San AntonioHours: Wed, Thurs. 5 - 8:30pm Fri. 5-9pm, Sun 5-8:30pm Mon & Tues. Closed.(830) 438-290029774 US 281, Suite 216 Bulverde, TX 7816310% off(Dine in only) Must show this ad with purchase. exp. 5/31/2023www.mariosofnyc.comAt Mario’s the combination of delicious food, fine wine and an intimate Tuscan atmosphere will make an unforgettable dining experience.Mario’s has a variety of pizzas & pastas and an extensive wine list.New York cheesecake.”Mike Sutter, the San Antonio Express-News restaurant critic, rated Mario’s the best pizza in San Antonio. Reservations are recommended. Visit www.mariosofnyc.com or call (830) 438-2900.May 2023www.bsbhighlights.com 9