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Stepparent Adoption Form Packets

Stepparent Adoption Form Packets

Forms needed to file for stepparent adoption

Stepparent adoption forms
Form numberForm nameDownload
ADOPT-050-INFOHow to Adopt a Child in CaliforniaDownload ADOPT-050-INFO (PDF)
ADOPT-200Adoption RequestDownload ADOPT-200 (PDF)
ADOPT-205Declaration Confirming Parentage in a Stepparent AdoptionDownload ADOPT-205 (PDF)
ICWA-010(A)Indian Child InquiryDownload ICWA-010(A) (PDF)
ICWA-020Parental Notification of Indian StatusDownload ICWA-020 (PDF)
ADOPT-230Adoption ExpensesDownload ADOPT-230 (PDF)
SJ-AD001Adoption QuestionnaireDownload SJ-AD001 (PDF)
AD 2Stepparent Adoption Consent to Adoption by Parent Retaining CustodyDownload AD 2 (PDF)
AD 2A/2BStepparent Adoption Consent to Adoption by a Parent in or outside of California Giving Custody to Husband or Wife or Domestic Partner or Other ParentDownload AD 2A/2B (PDF)
VS-44Court Report of AdoptionDownload VS-44 (PDF)
ADOPT-210Adoption AgreementDownload ADOPT-210 (PDF)
ADOPT-215Adoption OrderDownload ADOPT-215 (PDF)
Sup. Ct. 260Declaration re: Notice of Ex Parte ApplicationDownload Sup. Ct. 260 (PDF)

See the Court Fee Schedule located at www.sjcourts.org/forms-filing/court-fee-schedule/ or contact the Clerk’s Office at (209) 992-5690 for the amount of the filing fee.

General instructions for stepparent adoption

Please thoroughly read the instructions for filing for a stepparent adoption: Information for Stepparent Adoptions (PDF). 

Note: Court employees are prohibited by law from giving legal advice (Government Code §§ 24004 and 68082).

Submitting your forms for filing

  • You may not need every form listed above. Submit the forms required for your situation.
  • Complete all required information, and date and sign all forms. Do not sign ADOPT-210 (Adoption Agreement) or ADOPT-215 (Adoption Order); the Court will have you sign those at the hearing.
  • Documents must be typed or neatly hand printed in blue or black ink.
  • Lined paper or colored paper is not acceptable for filing.
  • Submit the original plus copies for your records. Note: You will need three (3) copies of ADOPT-200 (Adoption Request) and ICWA-010(A) (Indian Child Inquiry). Failure to provide copies may result in additional fees.
  • If you want your copies returned by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) with adequate postage. If you do not include a SASE, copies may be placed in the pick-up cabinet at the Clerk’s Office. Documents not picked up within 30 days may be destroyed.
  • Provide the correct filing fee for processing. Current fees: www.sjcourts.org/forms-filing/court-fee-schedule/. If you cannot afford to pay fees and costs, you may request a fee waiver (FW-001). See: Fee Waiver Form Packet.

Interpreter needs

All court proceedings are in English. If you need an interpreter, you may request one by completing and filing Judicial Council form INT-300: www.courts.ca.gov/documents/int300.pdf.

Publication

If service by publication is required, there is a separate fee charged by the newspaper. Contact the newspaper for pricing. Download the list of approved newspapers (PDF).

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