Fill out and give forms to the court
There are forms you need to fill out and give to the court clerk to hold onto until your hearing. These are forms that you will complete but not sign until you are in front of the judge. The clerk will hold onto these forms until the final hearing.
Before you start
You will fill out the following forms and give them to the court clerk to hold onto before your stepparent adoption hearing. Do not sign the forms until you are told to.
Fill out and give forms to the court
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Fill out forms
Adoption Agreement (ADOPT-210)
- The proposed parent (the stepparent), the parent keeping custody, and the child (if over 12) will sign this form at the hearing.
Adoption Order (ADOPT-215)
- This form states the court's decision, like whether the judge allowed the stepparent adoption.
Court Report of Adoption (VS-44) (This link will take you to a different website.)
- Follow these instructions for completing form VS-44 and these guidelines.
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Give forms to the court clerk to hold onto
At the courthouse, you’ll give your forms to the court clerk. They will hold onto these forms until your hearing.
Some courts may require you to send your forms to them electronically, either by e-filing or email. You can find out if your court requires online submission of forms by visiting your court’s website or by contacting your Self-Help Center.
Stepparent adoption
What's next?
Once you have all of your forms lodged with the court, you'll prepare for your stepparent adoption hearing.