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Rhode Island Adoption - $325
Now you can complete your stepparent adoption or adult adoption in Rhode Island without having to pay high attorney fees. We make it possible to file and your own adoption. We never sell "automated" adoption forms, only documents prepared by an experienced adoption specialist. Our experienced Rhode Island adoption team will review your information and prepare adoption papers specifically for your situation.
- Adoption specialist for Rhode Island handles your case.
- Every customer is backed by our 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee.
- We stay with you through the entire process, to help guide you through the Rhode Island adoption process.
- Over 20 years experience filing adoptions in the Rhode Island court system
- 100% Court acceptance in the Rhode Island adoption/Probate Court.
- Fast Process. Submit your order today and file your adoption forms tomorrow.
Information on filing an adoption in Rhode Island.
When we prepare your Rhode Island adoption papers, we will include all the provisions specific to your situation. Documents we prepare for one family will be different than the documents for another family, because circumstances are different. We ensure that your adoption forms are ready to sign and file with the court in Rhode Island. Whether you are filing a stepparent adoption or an adult adoption, we will be able to help you get your adoption finalized.
Rhode Island Stepparent & Adult Adoptions: A Comprehensive Guide
With References to R.I. General Laws Title 15, Chapter 7 (“Adoption of Children”)
When considering an adoption in Rhode Island—whether you’re a stepparent adopting a minor or finalizing an adult adoption—familiarity with the state’s legal framework can help ensure a smooth process. Below is an overview of key requirements, timelines, and procedures, along with references to the relevant Rhode Island statutes.
1. Residency Requirements
- Residency Duration: Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-2, at least one of the adoptive parents (or the petitioner) typically must have resided in Rhode Island for at least six (6) months prior to filing the adoption petition.
- Where to File: Adoption cases in Rhode Island are generally filed in the Family Court of the county where you or the adoptee resides. Be sure to confirm any local rules with the Clerk of the Family Court.
2. Stepparent Adoption in Rhode Island
A stepparent adoption establishes a new legal parent-child relationship under R.I. Gen. Laws Title 15, Chapter 7. This process generally terminates the absent parent’s rights if they have abandoned or neglected the child, or if their whereabouts are unknown.
2.1. Consent of the Absent Parent
- General Rule: Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-4, consent from both legal (biological or adoptive) parents is normally required before an adoption can be granted.
- Exception—Abandonment: If the absent parent has had no substantial contact or has failed to provide support for a significant period (often 6–12 months), the court may determine that abandonment has occurred. In such cases, the court can dispense with that parent’s consent.
- Unknown Whereabouts or Identity: When the absent parent cannot be located after a diligent search, the court may require notice by publication (see § 15-7-5 on notice and hearing). This allows the adoption to move forward even without the absent parent’s direct consent.
2.2. Child’s Consent
- Age Threshold: Rhode Island statutes do not pinpoint a single mandatory age for a child’s consent. However, Family Court judges often seek input or a consent statement from children aged 12 or older. Practices vary by county; check local court rules or ask the court about child-consent procedures.
2.3. Timeline & Process
- File the Petition: Submit your Stepparent Adoption Petition in the Family Court for your county.
- Service & Notice: If the absent parent’s location is known, they must be formally served. If not, the court typically orders notice by publication.
- Investigation or Home Study: While some stepparent adoptions may require a brief inquiry, others proceed with minimal investigation if the court deems it unnecessary.
- Final Hearing: If uncontested, the hearing is usually brief. Stepparent adoptions in Rhode Island often finalize in 3–6 months, though this can vary based on court schedules and any complications that arise.
2.4. New Birth Certificate
Once the Final Decree of Adoption is issued, you can request a new birth certificate from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. In accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-12, the amended certificate will list you as the adoptive parent and reflect any approved name change for the child. The original record is sealed and can typically only be accessed by a court order.
3. Adult Adoption in Rhode Island
Unlike minor adoptions, adult adoptions do not involve terminating another parent’s rights. They are primarily governed by the same Chapter 7 of Title 15, but with fewer procedural requirements.
3.1. Consent & Process
- Adult’s Consent: As per the broader provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Title 15, Chapter 7, the adult adoptee’s voluntary consent is the main prerequisite. Biological parents generally do not need to consent.
- Petition Filing: You (the adopting parent) and the adult adoptee will file a Petition for Adoption in the Family Court where either party resides.
3.2. Timeline
- Shorter Duration: Adult adoptions typically finalize in 45–90 days, assuming all paperwork is in order and no objections arise.
3.3. Legal Effects
- Name Change: The adult adoptee can opt for a name change as part of the adoption decree, consistent with § 15-7-16 (which covers name changes upon adoption).
- Amended Birth Certificate: The adoptee may request a new birth certificate reflecting the adoptive parent’s name; however, some adults choose not to amend their birth record unless desired for inheritance or personal reasons.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the absent parent remain responsible for child support after the adoption?
- Generally, no. Once the adoption is finalized under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-14.1, the absent parent’s rights and obligations—including child support—are terminated.
- What if the absent parent contests the adoption?
- The court will hold a hearing to assess whether the absent parent has a valid claim to maintain parental rights or if abandonment/neglect is evident. If the court finds abandonment, the adoption can proceed.
- Are home studies mandatory for all stepparent adoptions?
- Not always. Stepparent adoptions typically involve fewer procedural requirements than non-relative adoptions, though the Family Court may still request a basic assessment.
5. How We Can Help
We specialize in preparing court-ready adoption documents that comply with Rhode Island’s laws under Title 15, Chapter 7. Our services include:
- Customized Forms: Each petition and accompanying paperwork is tailored to your specific circumstances.
- Guidance Throughout: We provide step-by-step instructions, from serving notice to obtaining your Final Decree of Adoption.
- Time & Cost Savings: Our process is designed to save you significant expense compared to traditional legal representation, while still meeting all legal requirements.
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THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN RHODE ISLAND
The court wants the child to have the unity and security of a two-parent home, and when the absent parent is not active in the child’s life, then the court will do the adoption without the consent of the other parent. If the other parent is willing to sign a consent, that will make the adoption easier, but if the absent parent has abandoned the child, then you can do the adoption without the father’s consent.
Rhode Island Stepparent & Adult Adoption.
You no longer need to spend thousands on an attorney to complete your adoption. We give you the power to complete your own stepparent or adult adoption. We help you through all the stages of the adoption process, until the adoption is finalized and a new birth certificate is issued for the adoptee.
We understand what the courts need in Rhode Island to finalized an adoption, and will make sure that you have everything you need to have your adoption successfully processed and finalized by the court.
To get started, click the buttons our site that says "Start your Adoption". This will take you to our questionnaire which provides our legal department the information needed to complete the legal documents for your Rhode Island adoption.
FACT: The documents we prepare for your family will be different from what we prepare for another family. This is because the adoption forms are prepared specifically for your situation. This is why it is important to put in as much information as possible in our online questionnaire.
Once you submit your order, our team will prepare your Rhode Island adoption forms and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court. Then our support department will stay with you through the entire adoption process.
COMPLETING AN ADOPTION IN RHODE ISLAND
We have helped thousands of families successfully complete their adoptions. Whether it is a stepparent adoption or adult adoption, we can make it possible for you to complete your adoption without having to pay high attorney fees. No matter your situation, whether the father's identity is unknown, or any other issue, we will be able to help guide you through the adoption process in Rhode Island.
Giving you the power to complete your adoption.
Courts understand that it is in the child's best interest to have two active and legal parents. When one parent is not active in the child's life, the court will do what is best for the child, and approve an adoption, with consent or proper grounds, upon the submission of the proper legal adoption documents.
We have seen every possible situation, and can help all of these families complete the adoption. Whether it is a surrogacy adoption, unknown father, multiple fathers, or deceased parents, we have the experience to help you complete your adoption - Guaranteed!
Don't let the high cost of an attorney stop you from completing your stepparent or adult adoption. You now have a legal and affordable means to complete your adoption and unite your family.
GET STARTED WITH YOUR RHODE ISLAND ADOPTION
Our online questionnaire provides our legal department with the information we need to prepare you Rhode Island adoption forms. Our experienced Rhode Island adoption team will prepare your filing documents and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court.
SIMPLE 3-STEP PROCESS: Complete the questionnaire, then review and sign your Rhode Island adoption forms, and file with the court. Our step-by-step instructions will help guide you through the process.
Court Experience
With more than 100,000 court document prepared over the past 20 years, we have the experience to make sure your Rhode Island adoption papers are correct.
Low Cost-Only $325
Our Rhode Island adoption department will make sure your documents are ready to file. We will prepare your document right - All for $325 (You will also have a court filing fee that you will pay later to the Court).
Court Guarantee
You can file with confidence, we back every customer with a 100% money-back court acceptance guarantee.
Our detailed instructions make the adoption process simple.
