Adoption procedures for relatives and stepparents are fairly similar. The adoption process begins by filing a petition with the court. The petitioner will need to demonstrate that both biological parents consent to the adoption. If that’s not the case, and at least one of the parents is objecting to the adoption, the petitioner will have to show why his or her consent isn’t required (there are certain circumstances where consent won’t be necessary, such as where a parent abandoned a child, or where a parent’s rights were terminated). The court will then conduct a hearing to determine whether the adoption can proceed.
