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The entire process usually takes about six months to complete, though it may take longer depending on each step. First, you will have to terminate the biological parent's parental rights. Next, you must petition the courts for adoption. After you undergo a background check, you'll be able to have a hearing.

In many cases, the court will seek to have the biological parent's consent to the adoption, but in other cases, this may not be feasible. When you pursue involuntary termination of parental rights, the courts must intervene and find the biological parent to have either abandoned their child or have put their child at risk. The main concern of the court is that the child is safe and provided for, and a stepparent adoption can occur without the biological parent's consent.

This is not always the case. Many times when a parent enters into a new relationship, it's after a significant loss or change in the family structure. Perhaps it's due to a divorce, but it could also be due to the passing of one parent. Depending on how old the children are, they may be resistant to the new family dynamic at first. This can be especially true if the children are moving into a new household with the step-parent. This is completely normal and expected behavior. It's important to keep a positive outlook about the new family and be patient with yourself and the children.

This is not always the case. Many times when a parent enters into a new relationship, it's after a significant loss or change in the family structure. Perhaps it's due to a divorce, but it could also be due to the passing of one parent. Depending on how old the children are, they may be resistant to the new family dynamic at first. This can be especially true if the children are moving into a new household with the step-parent. This is completely normal and expected behavior. It's important to keep a positive outlook about the new family and be patient with yourself and the children.

Stepfamilies have just as welcoming and loving homes as first marriage families, but they are not the same and should not strive to be. Your spouse and their children will still have memories of their previous family structure, and you shouldn't attempt to "live up" to any preconceived standard. Your new family will have its own struggles to overcome-as well as plenty of successes to celebrate.

No one can force love to happen, and you shouldn't expect your newly adopted children to automatically love you. This process will take time, even years. It's important not to pressure children to feel one way or another, and instead, focus on being a good parent and a good role model.

No child is damaged permanently, though some may struggle to adapt to their new home. In general, about ⅔ of children adjust to their new family life, given enough time, and show no long-term signs of emotional damage. However, some children will struggle with this transition and the best thing you can do for them may be to pursue professional family counseling.