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v Family Matters v Step-Parent Adoptionstep-parents can be an integral part of a child’s life. Unfortunately, a step-parent has no legal rights toDecomposed GraniteSoil MixesCompostBase SandSouth Texas Blend RockMulch830-438-580331767 Blanco Road, Bulverde, TX 78163 Hours: Mon- Fri-8am-5pm • Sat. 8am- 3pmwww.BlancoRdMulch.comTopsoily Crista Branch, AttorneyBStheir step-child. People often ask how a step-parentcanadopttheirstep-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 a 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 adults living 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.Crista Marichalar Branch, P.C.549 Heimer Rd., Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78232(210) 229-2088www.branchfamilylaw.comCall Today for Lunch and a Tour!20450 Huebner Road San Antonio, TX 78258Located in the heart of Stone Oak, our active retirement resort community offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and a Neighborhood of Homes.210-615-4000 I IndependenceHill.comApril 2024www.stoneoakhighlights.com 11