{"id":351594,"date":"2025-02-14T15:51:35","date_gmt":"2025-02-14T20:51:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/adoption\/second-parent-adoption-for-lgbtq-couples.html"},"modified":"2025-02-14T16:02:42","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T21:02:42","slug":"second-parent-adoption-for-lgbtq-couples","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/second-parent-adoption-for-lgbtq-couples.html","title":{"rendered":"Second-Parent Adoption for LGBTQ+ Couples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Second-Parent Adoption for LGBTQ+ Couples<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Second-parent adoption is a legal process where a non-biological parent adopts their partner\u2019s child, gaining equal parental rights. This type of adoption ensures both parents have the legal authority to make decisions regarding the child’s welfare, including medical and educational choices. This method is crucial for many LGBTQ+ couples seeking to solidify parental rights and responsibilities within their family structure.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

On average, 115,000 adoptions<\/a> take place in the United States every year. Some are private adoptions, while others involve the foster care system. At any given time, more than 114,000 children in foster care are eligible for adoption.<\/p>\r\n

In recent years, the number of LGBTQ+ couples looking to adopt a child has continued to rise. Unfortunately, the adoption process<\/a> can be intimidating for any prospective parent, especially members of the LGBT community.<\/p>\r\n

One of the more common ways for LGBTQ+ people to adopt a child is by completing a second-parent adoption.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we will explain what a second-parent adoption is and the process for pursuing it. We will also identify the challenges same-sex couples face when attempting to adopt a child. Finally, we will briefly discuss other options available to people who cannot have their own biological child and wish to adopt.<\/p>\r\n

Adoption Options for LGBTQ Couples<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Generally, LGBTQ+ couples have the same options as other couples when it comes to adoption<\/a>. For example, they may want to pursue a private adoption with a birth parent<\/a>. Or they may choose to pursue an agency adoption.<\/p>\r\n

Some of the options available to a couple in a queer or same-sex marriage<\/a> include:<\/p>\r\n