For same-sex couples, it is often the case that there is only one legal parent even though two people may equally parent the child and think of themselves as co-parents.
This is because the status as a legal parent is automatically conveyed to the parent who has a biological connection to a child, such as a biological mom or biological dad. Similarly, while some couples raise an adopt children together, sometimes only one of them may have officially become the adoptive parent.
If the same-sex couple is married at the time of the child's birth, parentage of the child is presumed, however, we recommend getting both parent' rights reduced to a Court Order for protection of those rights in the future.
IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY
A second-parent adoption allows a second parent to adopt a child without the “first parent” losing any parental rights. In this way, the child comes to have two legal parents. It also typically grants adoptive parents the same rights as biological parents in custody and visitation matters. At Family Matters we love to help families making sure they are protected and truly together legally.
Our office as files something we call a Petition for Determination of Parentage for married couples to ensure their rights are protected in future and protect the best interest of the children.