step parent adoptions in CA

Hello, my name is Tamra. My husband is in the process of adopting my 6 year old son!! I just wanted to share what we have done to make this happen, without the help of a lawyer. The non-custodial parent consented, so that was a big plus. So, if you live in CA and have been able to locate the NCP to get their consent, follow the steps we took and your adoption will go smoothly. :0) If you have any info on the NCP (SS#, address), you can try to track him/her down using the internet. We spent $25 to do a search. Sorry, I forgot what website I used. We had the NCP SS# so I did the search with that and ended up getting his current address (haven't seen him in 6 years!). I sent the consent form, certified. A couple of days later, we got it back signed!!!! YEA! First, download the most recent adoption forms from [url]www.courtinfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/forms.cgi[/url] . Next, take the completed forms to your local juvenile court (where you can pick up a consent form) and pay the filing fee (it was $20 in San Diego). You must take the originals and two copies of everything. Then, the court will most likely instruct you to go to your local health and human services dept with your adoption petition. After health and human services receives your request, it will take about 6 months (in SD, anyway) for a social worker to call you and set up an interview with the child, parent and adoptive parent. That's it! You will have a hearing before a judge after that to make it final. The only other cost involved is about $270 (in SD) for the social worker to do his/her report. Money well spent, though. A lawyer would cost a lot more. so, if you live in CA and have an uncontested adoption, follow these steps and you'll be on your way to completing your family!!! GOOD LUCK!