Same-Sex Adoption for Unmarried Couples

According to the 2010 Census, approximately 27% of Pennsylvania’s LGBTQ population is raising children. Moreover, according to Allies for Adoption, same-sex couples are four times more likely to be raising an adopted child.
Same-sex couples are six times more likely to raise foster children.

Considering that there are approximately 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, helping parents in the LGBTQ community understand which areas have same-sex couple friendly laws and helping them understand their rights is an important task for equality.

Alternatives for LGBTQ and Adoption

Most LGBTQ couples in Pennsylvania that are raising a child together are married. With that said, some couples chose not to get married and others may divorce. Establishing parental rights of an adopted child under either of those circumstances is important.
Other considerations for adoption that unmarried same-sex couples in Pennsylvania can consider include:

• Second-parent Adoption
• Joint Adoption

Second-Parent Adoption in PA

A common scenario that many same-sex couples face is one, or both, partners in a relationship have children, and one partner wants the other to become their child’s adoptive parent. Second-parent adoption allows a parent in a same-sex relationship to adopt his or her partner’s child.

Same-sex adoption gives the child two sets of parents who have established parental rights under Pennsylvania law. Unlike stepparent adoption, second-parent adoption does not require marriage.
Pennsylvania is one of fifteen (15) states and D.C. that allows LGBT parents to petition for second-parent adoption.

Joint Adoption in PA

Joint adoption allows LGBT parents to adopt a child together. Some laws require the parents to be married, but in general, joint adoption does not require marriage. Pennsylvania, along with the rest of the United States, allows LGBT couples to petition for joint adoption. While some states have laws that allow child welfare adoption agency to deny a couple the ability to adopt based on religious beliefs, P.A. does not.

Find an Attorney for Same-Sex Adoption in Chester County, PA

Remember, once an adoption is final, all parental rights afforded to natural parents are then available to the adoptive parents. Adoption means having the ability to make healthcare, education, and visitation decisions regarding a child.

If you or someone you know is attempting to petition the state for second-parent adoption or joint adoption in Chester County, Montgomery County, or Delaware County, in Pennsylvania, contact the experienced family law attorneys at [[$firm]].

Our firm represents clients from all walks of life throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, including areas such as Lancaster County, West Chester, West Goshen, Coatesville, East town, West Caln, and Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

Call [[$firm]] at [[$phone]] now for more information about how an experienced family lawyer at our office can counsel you through the adoption process.