Second Parent Adoption

Prior to marriage equality, some attorneys were advising lesbian couples to perform “second parent” adoptions in order to secure parental rights of both mothers to their minor child. Unfortunately, the North Carolina Supreme Court determined that “second parent” adoptions were unlawful.

If you want to make sure your rights to your child are protected, and you are married to the legal parent of the child, you may be able to petition the court for a stepparent adoption. Stepparent adoptions are one of several adoptions that are lawful in North Carolina.

If you were a parent who got a decree of adoption through a “second parent” adoption in North Carolina, call our office to talk about how to make sure your legal rights to your child are secured.

Or, if you are not married to the other parent of your child, call our office. There may be other options available to you and our attorneys can discuss that with you.