Adopting the child of your partner is common in today’s society. As the child’s stepparent, it is vital that you build a solid relationship with your stepchildren. Filing for adoption adds both emotional and legal stability to the relationship. Thankfully, Illinois...
What should you expect when blending a family?
Starting a new relationship after divorce may mean the opportunity to combine family units. Working with your partner, you may need to adjust schedules, parenting styles, discipline and house rules among other things. Parenting differences You and your partner may...
When should you consider adopting your stepchildren?
Getting remarried after your divorce may renew your hope in your future. If you or your new spouse have children from previous marriages, you may have the unique opportunity to blend families and raise your children together. Under some circumstances, you may feel the...
Stepparent adoption: Who must consent?
In a blended family, stepparents and stepchildren often form a close bond. However, that relationship does not give stepparents a parent-child relationship that is recognized by law. Adopting a stepchild allows stepparents to establish such a relationship with a child...
Understanding second-parent adoption
Adoption comes in all different forms. Some expand their families with unrelated adoptions, adoptions within the family or stepparent adoptions. Some choose second parent adoptions. Here, we will help you understand second parent adoptions and if they are right for...
Stepparent adoptions and termination of parental rights
After marrying someone who already has a child, it is common for a spouse to consider adopting that child when they’ve created a new family.There are stepparents who often help support the children and there are numerous other reasons for seeking an adoption....
Overcoming the challenges of stepparent adoption
Marrying someone who already has a child can be a joyful and fulfilling experience. You may soon form a bond with your stepchild that is as deep as any parental connection. It is just such a realization that prompts many in Illinois to seek to adopt the children of...
How adoption can impact your taxes
As the year comes to an end, it is time to look forward to next year. That also means preparing for tax time in Illinois. If you welcomed a new member in your family this year through adoption, you may see some benefits on your federal income taxes. The IRS explains...
Before you adopt your stepchild
At Thomas M. Gurewitz, Attorney At Law, in Illinois, we understand that many stepparents form a strong parent-child bond with their stepchildren and wish to become the legal parent. If you believe that stepparent adoption is in the best interests of your spouse’s...
How can my family adjust when adopting an older child?
Adopting an older child in Illinois can be challenging for many families. While your heart is surely in the right place, the transition from one situation to another is often difficult for many kids, especially those who've been in foster care for some time. In this...
