---
title: "What is a stepparent adoption in Rhode Island?"
description: "A stepparent adoption is when a stepparent legally adopts their spouse's biological child from a prior relationship. It is one of the most common types of adoption in Rhode Island. To complete a..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/what-is-a-stepparent-adoption-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-04-18
modified: 2026-04-18
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# What is a stepparent adoption in Rhode Island?

A stepparent adoption is when a stepparent legally adopts their spouse's biological child from a prior relationship. It is one of the most common types of adoption in Rhode Island. To complete a stepparent adoption, the non-custodial biological parent must either voluntarily consent to terminate their parental rights or have those rights terminated by the court. Once finalized, the stepparent has the same legal status as a biological parent, and the biological parent's rights and obligations are permanently ended.