Stepparent Adoption in Western Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh

Adoption by a Stepparent

An adoption is necessary to trigger important rights and responsibilities on the part of a
stepmother or stepfather, such as (1) the duty to to provide support in the event of divorce, and
(1) inheritance rights by child against the stepparent's estate if the stepparent dies without a
will. The Law Firm of David N. Hanna, P.C. helps clients decide on a case-by-case basis
whether a stepparent should adopt and we will help you move forward efficiently in the event
you have already made the decision to adopt.

Termination of rights proceedings can begin if the biological parent has not had contact or
provided support to a child for six months, or if the parent is deemed unfit because of drug
use, child abuse, or criminal activity, and has had their rights terminated by the court. If the
biological parent consents to the termination of parental rights or fails to respond, the adoption
can proceed after a formal hearing. We also represents clients in contested hearings to
terminate the birth parent's relationship.

http://www.cantormeyer.com/PracticeAreas/Adoptions.asp