Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Re: I want to adopt my wife's daughter.

Thank you for your inquiry. Step-parent adoption in Arizona is not a difficult process, and in fact, the Maricopa County Attorney's office will process the adoption papers for free (so the only cost is the adoption agency study). However, before the adoption can proceed, the biological father's rights will need to be terminated. If you can locate him, and if he will agree to the adoption, the County Attorney's office also has a form that he can sign. However, if he can't be located, or if he will not agree to the adoption, his rights will need to be severed separately through the juvenile court. The grounds for severance is abandonment (failure to maintain contact or provide support for at least 6 months), so if he makes contact with the family before you file the papers, you will need to wait 6 months before proceeding. If you would like to schedule a time that we can discuss this matter more fully, please feel free to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Monica H. Donaldson

(480) 792-9770

[email protected]