What is a step-parent adoption?

A step-parent adoption is when a step-parent adopts a step-child, making them the legal parent of that child. In Nebraska, step-parent adoption is a common way to ensure that a step-parent can have the same legal rights and obligations for their step-child as a biological parent would have. In Nebraska, step-parent adoption is governed by the Nebraska Adoption Act, which outlines the eligibility requirements and the process for a step-parent adoption. In order to be eligible for a step-parent adoption, the step-parent must be married to the child’s biological/legal parent. The biological parent must consent to the adoption and generally must be present at the adoption hearing. The Nebraska Adoption Act requires that the step-parent give notice of the adoption to both the other biological parent and any grandparents of the child. The step-parent must also obtain a certificate of completion of an adoption information class and must file a petition for adoption in the district court in either the county in which the step-parent or the child resides. After the petition is filed, a hearing will be held by a judge and the petition may be granted or denied. If the petition is granted, then a new birth certificate will be issued, recognizing the step-parent as the legal parent of the child. The step-parent will then be legally responsible for the support and care of the child, just as a biological parent would be.

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What is a step-parent adoption?

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