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Adoption
Can my daughter be adopted my stepfather without biological father's permission?

Can my daughter be adopted my stepfather without biological father's permission?

Q: Can a birth parent take back an adopted child?

Generally, once an adoption is finalized, a birth parent cannot take back an adopted child. Adoption legally transfers parental rights to the adoptive parents, and the birth parent's rights are terminated. There may be rare exceptions, but these situations are complex and typically require legal intervention.

Full question:

My 16 year old daughter wants to be adopted by my husband and her stepfather, her biological dad is not in the picture and really never has been nor does he pay child support. My question is, does he have to be contacted for this to take place. We have not seen nor heard of him in several years.

Category: Adoption
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Texas

Answer:

A biological father's consent also is necessary for adoption, if the father is known. If a biological father is not notified, he may later contest the adoption if he acts within a certain period of time after the child's adoption.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can a biological parent regain custody after adoption?

Once a child is adopted, the biological parent's rights are typically terminated, and they cannot regain custody. Adoption creates a new legal relationship between the adoptive parents and the child, severing ties with the biological parents. There are very limited circumstances under which a biological parent might contest the adoption, but generally, custody cannot be regained after the adoption is finalized.

Can you put a 16 year old child up for adoption?

Yes, a 16-year-old can be placed for adoption, but the process may require the consent of the child, depending on state laws. The biological parents must also consent to the adoption unless their rights have been legally terminated. It's important to consult with a legal professional to understand the specific requirements and procedures in your state.

Can my stepdad adopt me without my dad's permission?

In most cases, a stepfather can adopt a child without the biological father's permission if the father's parental rights have been terminated or if he is absent and has not been involved in the child's life. However, laws vary by state, so it's essential to check local regulations and possibly seek legal advice to navigate the adoption process.

Can a birth parent take back an adopted child?

Can my biological parents adopt me back?

In most cases, once a child has been adopted, the biological parents cannot adopt the child back. Adoption permanently severs the legal relationship between the biological parents and the child. However, if the adoption is contested or reversed through legal means, there may be a possibility, but this is uncommon and involves significant legal procedures.

Can you get custody back after adoption?

No, once an adoption is finalized, the biological parent's rights are permanently terminated, and they cannot regain custody. The adoptive parents assume all legal rights and responsibilities for the child. If there are concerns about the child's welfare, it may be possible to seek other legal remedies, but regaining custody after adoption is typically not allowed.