This interesting site is based in the United Kingdom. Its main thrust appears to be against stepparent adoption, and the author presents intriguing points. For example, the adopted child automatically loses all legal ties with not only a parent, but also an entire side of the family, which can be devastating for all concerned. It is, of course, possible to make sure that some contact is kept with the "other family," unless it is harmful for the child.
Other areas that are affected by adoption include change of surname for the child, and loss of possible financial assistance from one side of the family. The author continues the discussion by considering alternatives to adoption.
There are points worth considering in this article, but keep in mind that it reflects the laws of the U.K. If you are interested in step-child adoption, you will want to check the legalities in your own country.
2. Stepparent Adoptions
In an article written about adoption in the United States, the author discusses some of the differences between a stepparent adoption and a nonrelative one.
Although many stepparents would like to adopt the children, the following are the acceptable conditions:
- If the absent parent gives written, legal consent to the adoption.
- If the absent parent's rights to parent are terminated in court.
- If the other parent is absent because of death.
- If your stepchild was abandoned.
- If the other parent has abandoned the child.
Usually the adopted stepchildren know about their other biological parent and are aware that they were adopted. If, however, the children were very young when the event took place, the parents usually tell them later on. The author of this article speaks quite strongly against keeping the information secret, as the children usually find out sooner or later.
3. Children and Stepfamilies: A Snapshot
In a detailed 1998 report, the author discusses many areas pertaining to stepfamilies, and offers statistical findings.
He begins by looking at the large number of Americans who are now or are predicted to be in a stepfamily situation. Continuing on to consideration of custodial parents who have chosen to remarry, the author reports that the creation of a satisfactory stepfamily situation is most difficult when adolescent children are involved.
He found that income is related to the probability of remarriage, with divorced males being more likely to remarry if they have more money, and women doing the opposite. Other factors that influence the likelihood of remarriage are age, education level, religious background, and upbringing.
