An adoption creates a permanent legal parent-child relationship. Many adoptions in Northeast Arkansas are by stepparents, grandparents or other relatives who have already been raising a child. I help families in Jonesboro and the surrounding counties through the legal steps.

Common Types of Adoption

Stepparent adoption: a stepparent adopts a spouse’s child.
Relative adoption: a grandparent, aunt, uncle or other relative adopts a child already in their care.
Adult adoption: an adult is adopted, often by a stepparent who raised them.

Who Must Consent

Arkansas law lists whose consent is required for an adoption (A.C.A. § 9-9-206). This usually includes the child’s parents, and a child older than 12, unless the court excuses the child’s consent.

A separate statute lists situations where a parent’s consent is not required (A.C.A. § 9-9-207). One that comes up often: a parent of a child in someone else’s custody who, for at least one year, has failed significantly and without justifiable cause to communicate with the child or to provide support as required by law or court order. Whether that applies depends on the facts, and the court decides. Consent is also not required from either parent when the person being adopted is an adult.

The Basic Process

File a petition for adoption in circuit court.
Obtain the required consents, or give notice and prove that a consent is not required.
Complete any required background checks or home study.
Attend a hearing, where the judge decides whether the adoption is in the child’s best interest.
If granted, the court enters a decree, and a new birth certificate can be issued.

What to Gather Before We Meet

The child’s birth certificate
Any custody, support, guardianship or paternity orders
Contact information for the other parent, if known
Records of support and contact over the last few years

Adoption Questions

Can I adopt my stepchild if the other parent won’t agree?

Sometimes. If the law excuses that parent’s consent, the court can grant the adoption without it, but that parent is entitled to notice and a chance to be heard.

Is guardianship a better fit?

Guardianship gives legal authority to care for a child without ending the parents’ rights. It may fit some families better. Read more about guardianship.

Talk With a Jonesboro Adoption Lawyer

I’ll explain what your adoption will likely involve and answer your questions honestly. To see other areas I handle, visit my family law page.

You can call the office at 870.525.2191. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, and Sara Beth or I will call you back. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 721 W. Matthews Ave in Jonesboro. You can also request a consultation online. Consultations are free and usually last about 30 minutes, and I’ll explain how fees work for your kind of case before you decide anything.

This page is general information about Arkansas law, not legal advice for your situation.