How to Adopt Your Stepchild in Mississippi: 3 Things You Must Know

Mississippi adoptions can be full of long processes and requirements, yet when adopting your stepchild, the process is not always that extensive. Many stepparents fall in love with their stepchildren and wish to adopt them as their own. So how do you adopt your stepchild in Mississippi?

To adopt a stepchild in Mississippi, the stepparent wishing to adopt must obtain stepchild adoption court forms, often available at the local courthouse, or may be purchased online from a court form service. If the biological parent is contest the adoption, then hiring a lawyer is strongly encouraged.

adopting a stepchild in Mississippi

A stepparent in Mississippi could choose to adopt their stepchild for a number of reasons. One reason is to create a formal parent-child relationship that can offer the child security on both an emotional and financial level.

The stepparent may acquire parental legal rights and obligations through adoption, including the ability to make decisions on the child’s education and medical care.

Adoption can also strengthen the family bond and provide the child with a sense of stability and belonging.

Additionally, it can create a sense of permanency and continuity, which is crucial for kids whose family lives have been upended.

How to Adopt Your Stepchild in Mississippi

To adopt your stepchild in Mississippi you can either hire a lawyer, visit your local courthouse and ask if they provide stepchild adoption court form packets, or purchase court forms through a service that specializes in stepchild adoption court forms.

Hire an Adoption Lawyer

In Mississippi, it is not necessary to retain legal counsel in order to adopt a stepchild. However, because adoption can be a difficult legal process, it is crucial to think about hiring a lawyer.

A lawyer can ensure that the adoption procedure goes smoothly and that all the legal requirements are satisfied, such as the necessary filing and notice to the other biological parent and the court.

They can also offer direction and counsel throughout the procedure, which can be particularly beneficial if any difficulties or problems develop, such as opposition from the other biological parent.

A lawyer familiar with adoption laws in Mississippi can also review and clarify any papers that must be signed, represent you in court if necessary, and help you with other legal matters.

Visit here for a board-certified adoption lawyer in Mississippi.

Visit Your Local Courthouse

For court form packets and details on the procedure, stepparents who want to adopt their stepchild should contact their local courts. The paperwork and instructions needed to finish the adoption procedure be made available in adoption court form packets.

You’ll want to remember that the paperwork may change based on the state and the particulars of the adoption.

Stepparents should research the forms and requirements they must meet at the courthouse in order to complete the adoption procedure.

These could involve submitting an adoption petition, informing the other biological parent, and concluding background checks and home studies.

Court form packets can also include details on how to submit the paperwork, and it’s important to follow the directions specifically.

Keep in mind that some courthouses might also have unique procedures for stepparent adoptions, so it’s always a good idea to check the website of your local court or contact the clerk’s office if you need any additional information.

Find a local Mississippi courthouse near you.

Purchase Stepchild Adoption Court Forms Through a Service

Stepparent adoption court forms are available for purchase through a service for those who want to adopt their stepchild. These services often offer the paperwork and guidance needed to finish the adoption procedure.

Doing an internet search for “stepparent adoption forms” will bring up a list of these types of services.

Remember that even while these services might provide the adoption papers, they are not attorneys and cannot and will not represent clients in court or offer legal advice.

It is advised to investigate the service’s reputation and confirm that the forms they offer are current and tailored to the state where the adoption is taking place.

It’s also important to keep in mind that various states may have different laws regarding stepparent adoptions.

Visit here for more information on the requirements to adopt in Mississippi.

Adoption Process

Mississippi’s legal adoption procedure for stepparents who want to adopt their stepchildren entails a number of phases. The petition for adoption is filed, and the adoption is finalized, to start the process.

Filing of the Petition for Adoption

In Mississippi, the process for adopting stepparents begins with the filing of a petition for adoption. The petition, a formal document submitted to the court, asks the judge to approve the adoption.

The following details must be included in the petition:

  • Names and addresses of the birth parents, adoptive parents, and adopted child.
  • A declaration that the adoption is in the child’s best interests.
  • The reason behind the adoption.
  • Anything else the court may ask for, like the child’s birth certificate or any earlier court orders.

The petition must be filled out completely and accurately because any mistakes or omissions could cause the adoption process to be delayed.

Before submitting the petition, it is advised to speak with a lawyer who can walk you through the procedure and ensure that the petition is properly filled out.

After the petition is submitted, the court will schedule a hearing date. The purpose of this hearing is to decide whether the adoption is in the child’s best interests.

The court may also order the child’s biological parents to appear at this hearing in addition to the adoptive parents.

The court might need some additional information or paperwork, and for information regarding the precise requirements and the forms that need to be filled out for the petition, the court’s website or the clerk’s office should be reviewed.

Home Study and Background Check

Stepparent adoption in Mississippi involves several steps, including a home study and background investigation. This process aims to determine whether the adoption is in the child’s best interests by evaluating the adoptive parent’s home and family.

Home Study

A social worker visits the adoptive parents’ home to conduct an interview as part of a home study process. The social worker will inquire about the adoptive parents’ home, family, and motivations for adoption.

They’ll also inquire about the child and about how the child will be raised and incorporated into the household.

Social workers will want to know if the adoptive parents have any other children, as well as how the child will be raised.

The social worker will draft a report following the conclusion of the home study, which the court will use during the adoption hearing.

Background Check

A background check is a crucial component of the home study procedure. To make sure the adoptive parents don’t have any criminal histories that would make them unfit parents, a background check will be done.

Any prior interaction with child welfare and other potentially pertinent information will also be included in the background investigation.

It’s vital to remember that each state may have its own requirements for the home study and background check procedures.

If you want detailed information on the procedure in Mississippi, it’s usually a good idea to check with the clerk’s office or the court’s website.

Consent of the Biological Parent

In Mississippi, obtaining the biological parent’s consent is an essential stage in the stepparent adoption procedure, as the non-custodial biological parent must agree to a stepparent adoption.

This means that the adoption must receive the approval of the biological parent who does not have primary custody of the child.

The biological parent’s approval may be expressed verbally in court or in writing. Adoption must be disclosed to the biological parent, who must also have the chance to object.

Under certain circumstances like abuse or abandonment, the court may terminate the rights of the biological parent if they refuse to consent.

Consent must be freely given and consciously provided. As a result, the biological parent must be well aware of the implications of providing their consent and cannot be forced or coerced to do so.

The court must also be certain that the parent is fully aware of the implications of consenting, including any loss of rights and obligations to the child.

Even if the non-custodial parent loses custody rights, they could still be obligated to pay child support.

Termination of the Biological Parent’s Rights

When the biological parent refuses to consent or cannot be found, the stepparent adoption procedure in Mississippi uses a legal procedure called “Termination of the Biological Parent’s Rights.”

The legal connection between the child’s biological parent and the child is severed through the judicial process known as termination of parental rights.

Parental rights can be terminated through a court hearing or, if the parent cannot be found, by a procedure known as constructive service.

By using a technique called “constructive service,” the court permits a notice to be sent to the parent in a different way, such as by posting a notice in the newspaper.

To decide whether the termination of parental rights is in the child’s best interests, the court will hold a hearing.

The parent’s capacity to support the child, their ability to maintain a stable home, and any history of abuse or neglect will all be taken into account by the court.

The child’s best interests in terms of security, stability, and general well-being will also be taken into account by the court.

Removing parental rights is a significant decision that shouldn’t be made lightly. It is only given when it is in the child’s best interest and when it is the only practical course of action.

Finalization of the Adoption

Stepparent adoption in Mississippi ends with the finalization of the adoption. The judge examines the adoption petition and the home study report during this court proceeding and will approve the adoption and give the child a new birth certificate if they are convinced that it is in the child’s best interests.

The biological parents of the child may also be required to appear at the finalization hearing by the court, in addition to the adoptive parents.

The adoption petition, the home study report, and any other pertinent documents will be reviewed by the judge.

Adoptive parents will also be questioned by the judge regarding the adoption and their goals for the child.

The judge will approve the adoption and give the child a new birth certificate if they are convinced that it is in the child’s best interests.

The adopted child will have the same rights and obligations as a biological child once the adoption is finalized.

As a legal child of the stepparent, the adopted child will also be entitled to inherit from the adoptive parent.

In order to get detailed information about the finalization procedure in Mississippi, it is always advised to check the court’s website or the clerk’s office.

Be prepared for a very time-consuming ordeal, as the entire adoption process can take months.

Curious about how much it would cost to adopt your stepchild? We put together an article just for you.

Should I Adopt My Stepchild?

A part of life is that many parents find themselves remarried with stepchildren. You may be asking yourself, should I adopt my stepchild?

You should adopt your stepchild if you are prepared for a lifelong commitment. Adoption is permanent, and you cannot change your mind should you and your spouse later decide to divorce. If you are prepared to love and honor your commitment to your adopted stepchild, you should adopt your stepchild.

If you are considering adopting your stepchild or stepchildren, there are some things you will want to think about before taking the plunge.

It is safe to assume that you love your stepchild, so let’s go over some things to make sure you have covered all your bases.

It is important to remember that adopting your stepchild is a lifelong commitment. You may have a very good marriage now, but even good marriages can turn rocky.

At the beginning of a new marriage, you are in love and over the moon with happiness. Having romantic ideas of how the family dynamics will be is normal and sets a positive path forward.

Just know that you cannot simply change your mind about the adoption down the road if your marriage does not work out.

If you are unwilling to continue the parent/child relationship if your marriage goes south, then you should not adopt your stepchild.

Should the marriage end in divorce, you will still need to have cordial communications with the child’s other parent to co-parent your child.

Other things to consider would be if your marriage ended in divorce, you would be financially responsible for half of the expense of raising the child.

After a divorce, you would still be tied to your spouse for life, as you would both have a child together. Until the child turns 18 years of age, there will still be periods when the child resides with you.

No one wants to think about the possibility of divorce when things feel so right. Statistically, however, about half of all marriages end in divorce.

If you are not willing to make a lifelong commitment to a child, then you should not adopt the child.

Providing you do decide to proceed with the adoption of your stepchild, keep in mind that there are things you will want and need to do afterward to tie up any loose ends.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Adopt My Stepchild?

It’s a common question, do you need a lawyer to adopt your stepchild?

You do not need a lawyer to adopt your stepchild. Visit your local courthouse to acquire the required court forms and a list of requirements. Although you are not required to have an attorney to adopt your stepchild, hiring an attorney for any life-changing event is highly recommended.

You most certainly do not need an attorney to adopt your stepchild, as the process is a bit less complicated than other types of adoption.

Do-It-Yourself Stepparent Adoption in Mississippi

Attorneys are nice to have and can do the leg work for you, but you most certainly do not need an attorney to adopt your stepchild.

If you are feeling a bit lost and want more information on starting your adoption journey, you may want to visit Mississippi Adoption Requirements: Complete Guide.

Just keep in mind that many of the requirements will not apply to you if you are already residing with your stepchild.

Providing there is no anticipated legal battle from one of the biological parents, then one would be encouraged to obtain the court forms from your local courthouse, usually available to download online.

You may also wish to contact your local Department of Human Resources to speak to someone about how to process your adoption petition or reach out to your local courthouse.

Most courthouses have what is called a facilitator who helps guide you in the steps you need to take to complete legal processes without a lawyer.

Stepparent Adoption Contested by Biological Parent

Adopting a stepchild involves obtaining the permission of both biological parents. You will need the blessing of your spouse as well as the other parent.

How will the biological parent feel about the idea of a stepparent wanting to adopt their child? This depends on the relationship between the biological parent and the child.

There are times when the other parent will voluntarily terminate their rights to their child. Perhaps there is very little relationship between the parent and child.

If the stepparent has taken on the active parenting role, and if the biological parent recognizes their lack of involvement, they may agree to know the adoption decision is in the best interest of their child.

When the biological parent’s rights are terminated, it also frees them from court-ordered financial obligations.

Sadly, this can be a huge motivating factor for some biological parents to voluntarily terminate their rights to their children.

What do you do, though, if the biological parent refuses to give permission and contests the adoption? States will almost always only allow two parents to have parental rights to a child.

However, there have been a few cases where the courts have allowed three parents.

States are required to take the parental rights of the biological parent very seriously and will only terminate their parental rights if the parent is proven to be unfit, is not the true biological parent, or has in essence abandoned the child.

A parent can be found to be unfit for several reasons. Examples of an unfit parent can be things like being abusive or neglectful. Are they incarcerated or have they been incarcerated?

Is the biological parent’s home environment safe for this child? What type of people do they hang out with and have visited their home? Many things can deem a parent unfit.

For a parent to be accused of parental abandonment, the parent must not have spent any time with the child or paid child support in a very long time, usually a year.

If there is a question of paternity and it can be proven through the court system that the “biological” parent is not the parent, after all, that opens the door for adoption possibilities.

However, the rights tend to be placed with the biological parent, so that can be a tricky scenario.

Telling a Child Their Stepparent is Adopting Them

Depending on the age of this child being adopted, you will most certainly be excited to tell them the good news! In some states, a child over a certain age will need to permit to be adopted.

Not telling the child they are being adopted by the stepparent can create mistrust and hurt down the road, so think twice if you were planning on not telling them until later.

I strongly encourage you to not keep the adoption hidden from the child or children. Allow them the opportunity to be excited about being adopted! Involve them in the process and celebrate!

And hats off to you if you are a stepparent considering adopting your stepchild. It takes a huge heart and unconditional love to adopt a child that is not biologically yours.

And when you are helping raise a child, you are already a huge part of their life whether you make it official or not.

What are the Home Study Requirements for Stepparent Adoptions in Mississippi?

Prior to permitting an adoption to take place, a home study or home study is a screening of the home and lives of potential adoptive parents.

A home study is needed by legislation in some countries, as well as in all international adoptions. Even though it isn’t legally needed, an adoption agency may insist on it.

If you have been married and living with your stepchild for quite some time, you may request the home study to be waived.

Does the Stepchild Have to Consent to an Adoption in Mississippi?

A child who is fourteen (14) years and older must provide signed consent to their own adoption in Mississippi. Younger children are not required to give their consent.

You are encouraged to proceed with a stepparent adoption during a time when your stepchild will react favorably to knowing you are adopting them.

Important to remember when planning to adopt your stepchild is that it is likely your stepchild has been through quite a lot.

Absent biological parents not voluntarily involved in their child’s life can be a painful emotion to live with for your stepchild.

Another thing to consider is the timing of the stepparent adoption. Was there a divorce previous to your marriage with your stepchild’s parent that your stepchild is still reeling from?

Children often suffer emotionally from the loss of a biological parent. Even a marriage viewed as a positive step forward takes time for a child to adjust to.

Consider letting the dust settle between major life events.

Can a Child Be Adopted Without the Father’s Consent in Mississippi?

Under citation code Ann. Code § 93-17-5, a father’s consent to an adoption in the state of Mississippi involves the following.

Consent shall be executed by:

  • The parents, or parent if only one parent, even if either one is under the age of 21
  • If both parents are dead, then any two adult kin of the child within the third degree

An adoption may be allowed over the objection of a parent when the parent:

  • Has abused the child
  • Has not consistently offered to provide reasonably necessary food, clothing, appropriate shelter, and treatment for the child
  • Suffers from a medical or emotional illness, mental deficiency, behavior, or conduct disorder, severe physical disability, substance abuse, or chemical dependency that makes him or her unable or unwilling to provide an adequate permanent home for the child at the present time or in the reasonably near future based upon expert opinion or based upon an established pattern of behavior
  • Has a history of past or present conduct, including criminal convictions, that viewed in its entirety, would pose a risk of substantial harm to the physical, mental, or emotional health of the child
  • Has engaged in acts or omissions permitting termination of parental rights

Trina Greenfield, Author
SmackDown Media LLC
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About the Author:
Trina Greenfield, the owner of SmackDown Media LLC, is passionate about providing information to those considering growing their family. Trina is a seasoned writer, content creator, and website owner with a passion for unbiased research, educational platforms for children and adults, as well as all things family-related.