If you want to adopt a stepchild, you must have the consent (or agreement) of both your spouse and the child's other parent (the noncustodial parent) unless that parent has abandoned the child. ... In addition, in nearly all States, an older child must consent to being adopted by his or her stepparent.

Can a step parent adopt a child?

In order for a stepparent to adopt the child, both biological parents must give consent. ... While the parent married to the stepparent will retain their parental rights after the adoption happens, the other biological parent will need to give up their parental rights.

Can my partner adopt my daughter without her father's permission?

If a parent does not have Parental Responsibility (PR), the court is not required to have their consent before making an adoption order. However, if this parent has a close connection with their child, it is likely the court will want to find out their views, as well as the child's.