Can a step parent adopt a child?

[kcareconnections]

Is there a way for a step parent to adult a child? I am trying to find out if there are steps to take to become the child's actual legal parent in the eyes of the law.

[Oharachris]

It is possible. This can only occur though if the other biological parent (not your spouse) gives up their parental rights or has them terminated. So for instance, if you want to adopt your wife's children, the rights of the birth father would need to be terminated.

[natekeefer1234]

You can apply to do this as mentioned above if the other parent has lost rights. I believe you have to be married for a certain amount of time to show your relationship with the child before this can take place.