Question by LaurieDB: What are the pros and cons of step-parent adoption?
Although step-parent adoption allows a child to be eligible for everything that the step-parent’s biological children can receive (inheritance, medical insurance and the like,) there are also downsides.
For example, if a couple divorces, the former step-parent, now parent, is subject to everything any biological parent must follow. This includes child support, possible continuation of medical coverage, continuation of inheritance rights. What problems may arise if this parent now feels that since this isn’t his/her biological child, why should s/he have to continue these requirements of parenthood. The ultimate problem can be that this adoptive parent may rather give up parental rights in order to “divorce” the child, since s/he is divorcing the natural parent.
Marina, you’re right, it should be that way, but sadly I’ve heard of some unfortunate cases where parents have given up parental rights to an adopted step-child when they’ve divorced the child’s biological parent. Very sad.
Best answer:
Answer by Trisha
If a step parent adopts a child- its their choice- going into it you know there is a possiblity of divorce- there always is.
Seriously- i’d tell em to get over it and that they made their decision. And if this is what someone is thinking before adoption- its not for them….. What would happen if a random child was adopted— by both parents- do they then decide during a divorce that they no longer want the child because its not “biologically” theirs?
What do you think? Answer below!