{"id":7504,"date":"2022-07-11T16:42:34","date_gmt":"2022-07-11T23:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-family-law\/?page_id=7504"},"modified":"2024-12-18T18:26:19","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T01:26:19","slug":"stepparent-adoption","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-family-law\/services\/stepparent-adoption\/","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Step-Parent Adoption Attorney"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"7504\" class=\"elementor elementor-7504\" data-elementor-settings=\"{&quot;ha_cmc_init_switcher&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2e3d297f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default exad-glass-effect-no exad-sticky-section-no\" data-id=\"2e3d297f\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5e62907 exad-glass-effect-no exad-sticky-section-no\" data-id=\"5e62907\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b1f54f exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3b1f54f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Introduction<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d8c849 exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2d8c849\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>With the <a href=\"http:\/\/time.com\/4575495\/divorce-rate-nearly-40-year-low\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ever-rising divorce rate in the United States<\/a>, situations of remarrying into a new marriage and the new spouse building a strong relationship with their partner\u2019s children are becoming more and more common. In many cases, this bond becomes strong enough to lead to step-parents thinking about adopting a stepchild, either for enforceable parental rights or as a symbolic gesture for the strength of the family. Step-child adoption can be done smoothly, but does require cooperation from all parties involved, including the stepchild\u2019s biological parents.<\/p><p>Altogether, navigating step-parent adoption in Arizona can be a detailed process. If you or someone you know is in a situation similar to this and looking to adopt their step-child, contact our family law team here at JacksonWhite. We have helped dozens of Arizona families be united with step-family members legally and we want to help you!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e23b29e exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"e23b29e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#contact\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Contact Us<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56af493 exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"56af493\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Requirements for Step-Parent Adoption in Arizona<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ffbc3f exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ffbc3f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Although a strong family dynamic is a great indicator that a step-parent should seek adoption to solidify the family, the desire to adopt a child is not sufficient for justifying the adoption on its own. A family must also ensure certain criteria are met to seek step-parent adoption in Arizona, from ensuring the adoption is in the best interests to getting approval from the affected parties. In order for a step-parent to be able to adopt a child in Arizona, a few key requirements must be fulfilled.<\/p><p>These requirements include:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Termination of Parental Rights<\/strong> \u2013 The very first requirement is that the other biological parent must first relinquish his or her parental rights in order to have a stepparent adopt a child in Arizona. It is important to note that both parents do not have to relinquish their parenting rights, just the parent that is not involved in the child\u2019s life.<\/li><li><strong>Consent of the Non-Custodial Parent<\/strong> \u2013 Biological parents who consent to this type of adoption can voluntarily terminate their parental rights to approve the adoption or sign over their parental rights. In extreme circumstances, parental rights can sometimes be involuntarily terminated.<\/li><li><strong>Child\u2019s Consent<\/strong> \u2013 In Arizona, children over the age of 12 may need to consent to the adoption for it to be approved by the court.<\/li><li><strong>Background Check and Home Study<\/strong> \u2013 If required by the court, depending on the circumstances, the adopting parent may need to pass a background check and a home study in order to ensure a safe environment for the child.<\/li><\/ul><p>The requirements for an adoption may vary slightly depending on the case and the unique circumstances of the family dynamic. If you have any questions about whether you meet the requirements or what steps you may need to take to gain court approval for the adoption, you should contact a family law attorney.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-df079b8 exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"df079b8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Benefits of Step-Parent Adoption in Arizona\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0616cb2 exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0616cb2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Although many step-parent-to-stepchild relationships can become strong without a formal adoption, the formal adoption process offers several advantages that one cannot get otherwise. When a stepparent adopts a stepchild, this is a strong family connection that can bring combined families even closer. But it\u2019s also a way for the stepparent to receive legal responsibilities over the child just as natural parents would.<\/p><p>The most important benefits of step-parent adoption in Arizona include:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Legal Rights and Responsibilities<\/strong> \u2013 Adoption provides the step-parent with full parental rights and responsibilities, giving them the ability to care for and make important decisions on behalf of the child in school, in healthcare, and more.<\/li><li><strong>Stability for the Child<\/strong> \u2013 Adoption by the step-parent can provide financial and emotional stability for a child, including offering access to benefits like inheritance rights and family healthcare coverage.<\/li><li><strong>Enhanced Family Unity<\/strong> \u2013 Adoption can offer a greater sense of belonging for the child and create a stronger family dynamic by solidifying the family unit in the eyes of the law.<\/li><\/ul><p>After adoption, stepparents have just as much of a financial and personal obligation to care for the child and provide for his or her basic needs. It\u2019s not a decision to be taken lightly, so before requesting that the biological parent relinquish his or her rights, the stepparent must weigh the decision carefully, ensure that they are committed to the responsibilities, and that the benefits of adoption justify the added responsibility.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd3dc1f exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fd3dc1f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Stepchild Adoption Process &amp; Stepparent Rights\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-86c944f exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"86c944f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Arizona, the stepchild adoption process requires multiple steps to formally grant parental rights to the step-parent. From filing the appropriate forms to presenting your case in front of the court, it\u2019s important that you closely follow all of the necessary steps for a successful adoption.<br \/>The steps in the step-parent adoption process involve:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Receive Parental Consent<\/strong> \u2013 Once the decision has been made to adopt a stepchild, the natural parent must complete a \u201cConsent to Adopt\u201d form to be presented to the court.<\/li><li><strong>Drafting the Petition<\/strong> \u2013 After receiving parental consent, the stepparent and other biological parent must complete a \u201cPetition to Adopt\u201d form. If there are no issues with consent or other requirements, the adoption will be legally granted.<\/li><li><strong>Filing with the Courts<\/strong> \u2013 With the adoption petition ready, you must then file it with the court in preparation of the hearing This may include a filing fee that varies by county.<\/li><li><strong>Completing a Notice<\/strong> \u2013 Upon filing with the courts, you will need to provide notice of the petition to the child\u2019s biological parent and all other interested parties, like caretakers or additional family members.<\/li><li><strong>Court Hearing<\/strong> \u2013 A court hearing will be necessary to make your case in front of the judge and applicable witnesses, like other guardians and any close interested relatives.<\/li><li><strong>Proceedings<\/strong> \u2013 After the court approves the adoption, you will need to take a few procedural legal steps to solidify it, like applying for a birth certificate with the step-parent\u2019s name included and obtaining a Decree of Adoption from the Arizona Superior Court.<\/li><\/ol><p>For a successful adoption with as little risk of contention as possible, it\u2019s important to follow these steps carefully. Navigating these legal requirements is often easier with the support of a lawyer who understands what steps you need to take and how to work within the courts through their years of experience with Arizona family law courts.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ec8d4a exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"2ec8d4a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#contact\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Find Support<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20f2751 exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"20f2751\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Challenges in Step-Parent Adoption<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-48e01e8 exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"48e01e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Unfortunately, challenges in step-parent adoption cases are not uncommon. Adoption of a child is a significant and serious decision, so it is not one that can be taken lightly. The gravity of this decision can lead to a few challenges throughout the process, as the courts want to ensure that the adoption is justified and in the best interests of the child.<\/p><p>The most common challenges include:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Dealing with Non-Consenting Parents<\/strong> \u2013 If the non-custodial parent does not consent, then you may have to find a way to come to an agreement with the non-consenting parent to support the adoption.<\/li><li><strong>Proving the Best Interests of the Child<\/strong> \u2013 The court will want to uphold the best interests of the child, so you may need to build a case to prove to the court why step-parent adoption is the best option for the child.<\/li><li><strong>Navigating Arizona\u2019s Legal Requirements<\/strong> \u2013 Every state has its own laws regarding adoptions, Arizona included, so navigating the unique legal requirements may take some time.<\/li><\/ul><p>Choosing the right attorney can go a long way in helping you navigate these challenges. During an initial consultation with an attorney, you will be able to discuss the best path forward and how you can build a case for proving the benefits of the adoption.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1cd5f4e exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1cd5f4e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why Choose Our Step-Parent Adoption Attorneys\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-59739e2 exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"59739e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Navigating a step-parent adoption can be a complex process, between building a case for adoption, proving the case to the courts, and navigating through the required legal steps. At JacksonWhite Law, our attorneys are meticulous in supporting our clients throughout the step-parent adoption process so we can help you create a solid family unit.<\/p><p>Choosing to work with our adoption attorneys at JacksonWhite Law offers all the following advantages:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Experience in Family Law<\/strong> \u2013 With experience in step-parent adoption and a variety of other family law cases, our attorneys have the understanding and temperament necessary to address your case with the attention it deserves.<\/li><li><strong>Compassionate Personalized Approach<\/strong> \u2013 Every adoption case comes with unique family dynamics and requires a sensitive approach, and we know how to navigate these cases with empathy and compassion.<\/li><li><strong>Dedicated Guidance<\/strong> \u2013 We will assist our clients in navigating each step of the adoption process to provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind along the way.<\/li><\/ul><p>Above all else, we are fierce advocates for our clients and the well-being of their families. Schedule a consultation with our attorneys to learn more about all the ways we can offer guidance in your adoption case to help you solidify the strength of your family.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-da4830d exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"da4830d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#contact\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Discuss Your Case<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5fd8e06 exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5fd8e06\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Step-Parent Adoption Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35a93dc exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"35a93dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>How long does the step-parent adoption process take in Arizona?<\/h3><p>The timeline for a step-parent adoption can vary depending on the case and the time needed to file petitions, gain consent, and process the adoption with the courts. Typically, a step-parent adoption takes about 6 months to a year to process. However, this process can take even longer if there are contests to the adoption, lack of consent from the non-custodial parent, or additional hearings needed to prove that the adoption is in the best interests of the child.<\/p><h3>What if the non-custodial parent refuses to consent?<\/h3><p>Consent of the non-custodial, biological parent is mandatory to approve a step-parent adoption in Arizona. However, if a non-custodial parent refuses to consent, there are some exceptions where the adoption can still proceed. In situations of abuse or abandonment, the courts may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-family-law\/blog\/termination-parental-rights-arizona\/\">terminate parental rights<\/a> of the non-custodial parent if it\u2019s in the child\u2019s best interest, nullifying the requirement for their consent.<\/p><h3>How much does step-parent adoption cost?<\/h3><p>Step-parent adoption costs can vary depending on the case, the amount of time it takes to process, and the amount of involvement necessary from a lawyer. The most notable expenses include county court filing fees, lawyer fees, and other fees for obtaining important legal forms. In total, adoption can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the case.<\/p><h3>Will a home study be required?<\/h3><p>For step-parent adoptions, a home study is typically not required to ensure that a home is a safe environment for the child, especially if a step-parent lives with the biological parent. However, whether a home study is required is at the discretion of the court.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-69f0a4c exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"69f0a4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Simplify the Adoption Process\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd71b3d exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bd71b3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Adopting a stepchild is a complicated process, and though the paperwork may seem simple, it represents a complex legal action that can be easily mismanaged. To avoid complications and simplify the process, you should hire an attorney that specializes in step-parent adoptions.<\/p><p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-family-law\/\">Family Law Team<\/a> at JacksonWhite Law has decades of experience in Arizona family law, which means that we understand the ins and outs of the legal system. We\u2019ll use this experience in your favor to help you navigate the Arizona step-parent adoption process and fulfill all the requirements laid out by the court to solidify your family dynamic once and for all.<\/p><p>Call the JacksonWhite Family Law Team at <a href=\"tel:+14804674348\">(480) 467-4348<\/a> to discuss your case today.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bad919a exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bad919a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Meet JacksonWhite Law<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f704a13 exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f704a13\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">We are a full-service law firm focused on serving our clients.<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-158c4ab elementor-section-content-top elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default exad-glass-effect-no exad-sticky-section-no\" data-id=\"158c4ab\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-8b2370d exad-glass-effect-no exad-sticky-section-no\" data-id=\"8b2370d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b87ae04 exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b87ae04\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/files\/2019\/12\/mesa-criminal-defense-location-e1576166814548.png\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-17383 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/files\/2019\/12\/mesa-criminal-defense-location-e1576166814548.png\" alt=\"mesa criminal defense location\" width=\"352\" height=\"216\" \/><\/a><\/p><p>As a premier law firm, we&#8217;ve helped thousands of Arizonans navigate our often daunting family law courts.<\/p><p>At JacksonWhite, we\u2019re focused providing you with the care that comes with decades of experience practicing law in Arizona. We are well equipped to handle tough cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and more. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b1aad5 exad-sticky-section-no exad-glass-effect-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"9b1aad5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">About Us<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction With the ever-rising divorce rate in the United States, situations of remarrying into a new marriage and the new spouse building a strong relationship with their partner\u2019s children are becoming more and more common. In many cases, this bond becomes strong enough to lead to step-parents thinking about adopting a stepchild, either for enforceable [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":111,"featured_media":0,"parent":7179,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7504","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Arizona Step-Parent Adoption Lawyer | Family Law Attorney<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn more about step-parent adoption in Arizona and how our team of family law attorneys can help you successfully adopt your step-child.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-family-law\/services\/stepparent-adoption\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Arizona Step-Parent Adoption Lawyer | Family Law Attorney\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn more about step-parent adoption in Arizona and how our team of family law attorneys can help you successfully adopt your step-child.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-family-law\/services\/stepparent-adoption\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Arizona Divorce Lawyers &amp; 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