Oak Park Step-Parent Adoptions Lawyer

Skilled and Compassionate Step-Parent Adoptions Attorney in DuPage County

In blended families, step-parents often want to adopt the child(ren) of their spouse to make their relationship official. Generally, step-parent adoptions are simpler and smoother than other types of adoption. That said, it is still a somewhat lengthy process, and there are circumstances in which complications may arise. This is why it is important to have an experienced family law attorney in your corner to help guide your adoption to a successful conclusion.

For over 30 years, the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C. has helped countless clients with step-parent adoptions in Cook County, DuPage County, and communities throughout the Chicago metro area. We have extensive knowledge of these types of adoptions and how to skillfully navigate the common pitfalls that may come up. Our office is responsive, detail-oriented, and focused on delivering highly personalized service to our clients. We work tirelessly on your behalf, and we provide ongoing updates on your case, so you are always kept in the loop.

Step-Parent Adoptions in Illinois

In order to adopt the biological child of your spouse, the parental rights of the biological parent must be terminated. In some cases, biological parents will voluntarily terminate their parental rights, because they are also absolved of parental responsibilities such as child support. If the biological parent refuses to provide consent to the adoption, his/her parental rights can be terminated by proving one (or more) of the following:

• The biological parent has abandoned the child, failed to provide financial support, and/or failed to make a reasonable effort to be part of his/her life;
• The biological parent is not fit to parent the child;
• The biological parent has physically abused or substantially neglected the child;
• This person is not the real biological parent of the child (this can be established through a court-ordered paternity DNA test).

Once the biological parent has relinquished his/her parental rights, there are several other requirements that must be met to complete the adoption. The process typically involves interviews with a social worker, multiple background checks (criminal, employment, etc.), demonstration of financial capability, and many other steps. All in all, the process can take several months, and even small mistakes in paperwork can cause further delays or even jeopardize the entire process.

Contact Our Illinois Step-Parent Adoption Attorney

It is a wonderful thing when a step-parent wants to adopt the child of his or her spouse. This fosters closer family bonds and gives the child greater assurance being raised by two legal parents. At the Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C., we are here to help ensure your step-parent adoption is a smooth and seamless process. If you are looking to adopt the child (or children) of your spouse, contact our office today at 708-449-7404 for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Hillside, Oak Park, Maywood, Forest Park, Melrose Park, Berkeley, Bellwood, Westchester, Broadview, River Forest, La Grange, and Elmhurst, as well as DuPage County, Cook County, and all surrounding communities.