START YOUR KENTUCKY ADOPTION.
We make the adoption process in Kentucky simple, fast and affordable.
Kentucky Adoption - $325
Now you can complete your stepparent adoption or adult adoption in Kentucky 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 Kentucky adoption team will review your information and prepare adoption papers specifically for your situation.
- Adoption specialist for Kentucky 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 Kentucky adoption process.
- Over 20 years experience filing adoptions in the Kentucky court system
- 100% Court acceptance in the Kentucky adoption/Probate Court.
- Fast Process. Submit your order today and file your adoption forms tomorrow.
Information on filing an adoption in Kentucky.
When we prepare your Kentucky 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 Kentucky. Whether you are filing a stepparent adoption or an adult adoption, we will be able to help you get your adoption finalized.
Kentucky Stepparent & Adult Adoptions: A Comprehensive Guide
With References to Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 199
In Kentucky, adoptions are primarily governed by KRS Chapter 199, which outlines the requirements, consent procedures, and court processes for both child and adult adoptions. Below is an overview of the key rules for stepparent and adult adoptions in the Bluegrass State.
1. Residency Requirements
- Residency Duration: Under KRS 199.470 and related sections, the child or one of the adoptive parents (petitioner) must have lived in Kentucky before filing an adoption petition. While there is no strict six-month requirement in the statutes, courts generally expect a demonstrable residence in the state to establish jurisdiction.
- Where to File: Adoption petitions are filed in the family division of the circuit court (or the circuit court itself) in the county where either the adopting parent or the adoptee resides.
2. Stepparent Adoption in Kentucky
A stepparent adoption formally establishes the stepparent as the child’s legal parent, typically requiring the termination of the noncustodial (absent) parent’s rights if they have abandoned the child or cannot be located. Key statutes include KRS 199.480, 199.500, and 199.502.
2.1. Consent of the Absent Parent
- General Rule: KRS 199.500 typically requires written consent from both legal parents for an adoption to move forward.
- Exception—Abandonment: If the absent parent has had no contact and no support for at least 90 days (or another period meeting statutory grounds under KRS 199.502), the court may find that the parent has abandoned or neglected the child, allowing adoption without that parent’s consent.
- Unknown Whereabouts: If the absent parent’s location is unknown, you must show a diligent search. The court may require notice by publication before terminating parental rights.
2.2. Child’s Consent
- Children 14 and Older: Under KRS 199.500(1)(b), a child 14 years of age or older must usually consent in writing to the adoption, unless the court waives this requirement for good cause.
2.3. Timeline & Process
- File the Petition: Submit a Petition for Adoption in the appropriate county’s circuit court (family division).
- Termination of Parental Rights: If the absent parent does not voluntarily relinquish rights, you may need to file or join a proceeding under KRS 199.502 to terminate those rights based on abandonment, abuse, or neglect.
- Investigation or Waiver: Kentucky generally requires a report or investigation (KRS 199.510), but stepparent adoptions may be expedited or partially waived.
- Final Hearing: If uncontested, the hearing is often brief. Stepparent adoptions can typically finalize within 3–6 months, depending on court scheduling.
- Decree of Adoption: Once the judge signs the adoption decree, you become the child’s legal parent.
2.4. New Birth Certificate
After the final decree, you can request an amended birth certificate from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. It will show the adoptive parent’s name and any approved name change, while the original record is sealed (see KRS 199.570).
3. Adult Adoption in Kentucky
Adult adoptions do not involve terminating another parent’s rights; they primarily serve to formalize an existing relationship or secure inheritance and other legal benefits.
3.1. Consent & Process
- Adult’s Consent: Under KRS 199.470 (and applied by analogy to adult cases), the adult adoptee must voluntarily agree to the adoption. No parental consent is required once the adoptee is over 18.
- Petition Filing: File an Adult Adoption Petition in the circuit court (family division) of the county where either the adopter or adoptee resides.
3.2. Timeline
- Faster Proceedings: Because there’s no termination of parental rights, adult adoptions often conclude in 45–90 days if uncontested and paperwork is in order.
3.3. Legal Effects
- Name Change: The adult adoptee may request a name change in the adoption decree.
- New Birth Certificate: An adult adoptee may obtain an amended birth certificate, though some choose not to alter their original record unless needed for legal or personal reasons.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
- Does child support from the absent parent continue after the adoption is finalized?
- Generally, once the adoption decree is entered and parental rights are terminated, the absent parent’s obligation to pay child support ends, unless a prior court order specifies otherwise.
- What if the absent parent contests the adoption?
- The court will hold a hearing to determine if statutory grounds—such as abandonment—exist to terminate the absent parent’s rights under KRS 199.502. If those grounds are established, the adoption can proceed despite objections.
- Are home studies mandatory for stepparent adoptions?
- Kentucky courts often require a limited investigation or report under KRS 199.510, but they may waive some steps for stepparent adoptions if the home environment is already known and the adoption is uncontested.
Start your Stepparent Adoption
Join thousands of families who have successfully completed their stepparent adoption.
Start your Adult Adoption
Let us help you unify your family. Click the button below to start your adult adoption.
Kentucky courts approve our adoption forms. You can file with confidence.
THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN KENTUCKY
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.
Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 KENTUCKY
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 Kentucky.
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 KENTUCKY ADOPTION
Our online questionnaire provides our legal department with the information we need to prepare you Kentucky adoption forms. Our experienced Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky adoption papers are correct.
Low Cost-Only $325
Our Kentucky 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.
