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.
