When you're starting the process of adopting a stepchild, there are a number of things to think about and decisions to make. Here's a checklist of some of the steps to take and things you'll want to consider:

If you're adopting a stepchild, you must have the other biological parent's written consent to the adoption or go through a complicated process to terminate the biological parent's rights.

In NJ, the biological parent will no longer be responsible for paying child support for the child after the adoption. Does this affect your decision to adopt?

If you're adopting an older stepchild, talk it over carefully with the child and make sure you have the child's consent.