Experienced Adoption Lawyers Focused on Results
If you've committed to adoption in PA, you must understand that it's a journey that federal, state, and local laws govern. So, working with an adoption lawyer near you who can address that complexity is essential.
Our adoption lawyers support families in Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery County, PA. They have the experience to help you along your adoption journey.
Types of Adoption in PA
Numerous adoption opportunities exist, each with its level of difficulty and timing. Some can hasten the adoption process, completing it in two to three months. With others, timing can extend to years.
Our family law firm supports clients with these domestic adoptions in PA. Best Law Firms acknowledges us as a Metropolitan Tier 1 firm in Philadelphia. Equally important, Best Lawyers of America© recognizes several of our family lawyers in their 2025 edition.
Stepparent Adoption in PA
No standard definition exists for a family; people often blend families through marriage. If you are a stepparent to a child, you may want to adopt that child. The process of adopting a child will vary based on the biological parents.
A traditional adoption is often a lengthy process with many steps. However, some steps may be shortened or waived in a stepparent adoption. For example, you may not need to complete a home study, or your home study may be less intense.
Consent with Stepparent Adoptions
However, both biological parents must consent to the adoption. As a result, one of those parents must surrender their parental rights following adoption. In addition, Pennsylvania requires the child to sign a written consent if over 12 years old.
In cases lacking that consent, you can challenge paternity to remove the need. You can also remove the concern if the parent is unfit or abandoned the child.
When considering stepparent adoption in Pennsylvania, it's crucial to have an adoption attorney who knows the state's laws. Each state has laws on this topic, and working with someone who understands Pennsylvania's laws is valuable.
Kinship Adoption in PA
Kinship adoption, also known as relative adoption, is less common. It refers to the legal child adoption by their grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives.
This can occur when a parent is unable or unwilling to care for their child, whether an infant or of any age. Many kinship caregivers need the legal rights to enroll children in school and get them medical care.
Generally, as with most forms of adoption, relative adoption terminates the rights of the biological parents. The adoptive family assumes those rights.
How Pennsylvania Determines Kinship
Pennsylvania defines kinship based on meeting at least one of the following:
- A relative through blood, marriage, or adoption
- A godparent recognized by an organized church
- A member of the child's Native American tribe, nation, or clan
- A person with a significant relationship with the child or family
Unlike other adoptions, the process can occur quickly, often within 60-90 days. Again, the process of adoption and length depends on your specific facts.
Adult Adoptions in PA
Pennsylvania law allows for the adoption of a person regardless of age. This includes adopting an adult or anyone over 18.
Because the process involves adults, you can complete an adult adoption faster than one involving a child. First, you avoid home study. Second, you avoid an adoption agency. Third, you can generally avoid background checks.
Equally important, you needn't terminate a birth parents' rights as the parties are consenting adults. That said, any birth rights from that parent will end, eliminating inheritance rights and other legal ties.
As a result, you can often shorten the adoption process to three to six months. When you officially adopt an adult, even if you raised them as a child, it has legal implications. One of these effects is the right to inherit property.
Pennsylvania Adoption Laws
Fortunately, Pennsylvania has few restrictions on who may adopt a child. The requirements are generally about ensuring the child's best interests. An adoption attorney familiar with Commonwealth laws can clarify the requirements.
Although PA has limited restrictions, adoption agencies, and other professional services may have more stringent demands. The foster care system also has minimum requirements for adoption.
That said, here's an overview of the adoption requirements in PA:
Age Requirements for Adoption in PA
In Pennsylvania, there isn't a specific age to adopt. However, many adoption and foster care agencies require the adoptive parent to be at least 21.
Consent to an Adoption
In some cases, the adoptee may need to consent to adoption. Pennsylvania law requires children 12 or older to consent to adoption.
Once the appropriate parties have agreed, the adoption process can proceed. However, consent requirements vary based on circumstances. For example, the birth mother's consent may be invalid. That's true if she gives it before or within 72 hours after the child's birth.
Marital Status for Adoptions in PA
Pennsylvania permits single individuals, married couples, and same-sex and unmarried couples to adopt. If married, both spouses must adopt the child unless one gives the other permission.
Background Checks
Pennsylvania requires criminal background checks for all adoptive parents. They include a child abuse history clearance, a criminal record check, and an FBI clearance using fingerprints. A history of child abuse, violent crime, or certain other criminal convictions can disqualify someone from adopting.
Home Study Requirements in PA
Generally, prospective adoptive families in Pennsylvania must undergo a home study. The process assesses the living environment and ensures it's safe and suitable for a child. The study includes personal interviews, home visits, health statements, financial assessments, and references.
As you've read, however, the Commonwealth typically waives home study for kinship and adult adoptions. It may eliminate or simplify the process with stepparent adoptions.
You should keep your adoption attorney informed. They can help mitigate any red flags that might arise during the process.
Health and Well-being of Adoptive Parents
Prospective parents don't need to be in perfect health. However, they must show their physical and mental capacity to raise a child.
Financial Stability
You don't need to be wealthy to adopt in Pennsylvania. However, you must show that you can provide a stable and secure financial environment for a child. That doesn't mean having a large income but rather demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
Training Requirements
Some agencies may ask adoptive parents to attend training sessions in Pennsylvania before adopting.
Bucks, Delaware & Montgomery County Adoption Lawyers
Our family law firm has offices in Doylestown, Norristown, and Wayne, PA. So, our adoption lawyers understand state and local laws relating to the PA adoption process. Call our firm to create an adoption plan in Bucks, Delaware, or Montgomery, PA.
