How it works:
When you are ready to begin you, or your attorney, should give us a call and Adoption Connection will send you the necessary paperwork. When we receive your paperwork and your file is complete we will assign an Adoption Connection social worker to meet with you and your family in your home. After the homevisit your social worker will write a report. Adoption Connection will then file this report (called a Stepparent/Domestic Partner investigation) with the court in your county of residence. You, or your attorney, can then request a court hearing to finalize your adoption.
If you have additional questions or you would like to get started give us a call at (415) 359-2495 and tell us you are interested in a Stepparent/Domestic Partner Adoption. Or go to Contact Us.
• What is a stepparent adoption?
• What is a domestic partner adoption?
• Why is a Stepparent/Domestic Partner Adoption important?
• When should it be done?
• How can Adoption Connection help?
• In what areas in Northern California are you licensed for this service?
• Do I need an attorney?
• What documents does Adoption Connection need to prepare the Social Service Report?
• What else is involved?
• How long does it take Adoption Connection to complete the report?
What is a stepparent adoption? When one member of a married couple has a child by a previous marriage, relationship or by single parent adoption: the new (step) parent can adopt the child through a simple procedure called Stepparent Adoption which grants the new parent full legal rights to the child. (The rights of a non-custodial parent, if any, must be terminated prior to adoption.)
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What is a domestic partner adoption? Similar to stepparent adoption, this process is for domestic partners who have a child who is legally and/or biologically related to only one partner. Usually this applies to same-sex couples with an adopted or biological child.
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Why is a Stepparent/Domestic Partner Adoption important? If two adults are parenting a child it is in the family’s best interest that both parents have full legal rights to their child. Often the child’s medical and social security benefits will derive from the parent who is not biologically related. Sometimes medical consent and the right to travel with the non-legal parent can be questioned without a legal adoption. A California Stepparent/Domestic Partner Adoption is recognized in all 50 states.
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When should it be done? A Stepparent/Domestic Partner Adoption should be completed as soon as possible after the child’s birth, or within one year of a new marriage. (Domestic Partners can begin the adoption process prior to the child’s birth.)
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How can Adoption Connection help? In California a Social Service Report must be provided to the Court. As a licensed agency Adoption Connection can prepare and file this report on the family’s behalf. The report is prepared after the agency receives documents from the clients (and their attorney if applicable) and met with the clients in their home.
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In what areas of Northern California are you licensed for this service? Adoption Connection can currently prepare Social Service Reports for families living in: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma Counties only. We can refer you to the appropriate agency in other northern California counties.
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Do I need an attorney? An attorney is necessary if there is another parent whose rights need to be legally terminated prior to the investigation. Adoption Connection can refer you to a skilled and efficient attorney who can prepare the legal documents required by the court of your California county. Please contact us for referrals or questions.
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What documents are required to prepare the Social Service Report? Verification of marital or domestic partner status, financial information, and consent by any other parent to the child will be required. Although each county has varying requirements most will ask for information regarding home and work, personal references, and verification of any past criminal history.
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What else is involved? The Courts require both parents and the child to have a homevisit (or meeting in the home) with the social worker. Usually this meeting involves verifying the information received. There is no home inspection required and the meeting usually lasts under one hour.
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How long does it take Adoption Connection to complete the report? After we have received all necessary documentation an Adoption Connection caseworker will call to schedule a homevisit, usually within 15 working days. We will then file the Social Services Report with the Court in your county. (Your court date to finalize the adoption is dependent upon the Court calendar.)
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If you have additional questions or you would like to get started give us a call at (415) 359-2495 and tell us you are interested in a Stepparent/Domestic Partner Adoption. Or go to Contact Us.
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