The INS has its own rules for international adoptions, such as the requirement that the adoptive parents be either married or, if single, at least 25 years old. The INS also requires adoptive parents to complete several forms and submit a favorable home study report. For more, see the International Adoptions FAQ . When a child is related to the adoptive parent by blood or marriage, the adoption is a relative adoption. The most common example of this type of adoption is a stepparent adoption, in which a parent's new spouse adopts a child from a previous partner.
Grandparents often adopt their grandchildren if the parents die while the children are minors.
In most states, these adoptions are easier and simpler than non-relative adoptions. For more information about stepparent adoptions, see the Stepparent Adoptions FAQ . Plain-English answers to typical legal questions. Covers debt and credit, workplace rights, wills, divorce, tenant's rights, Social Security, adoption and much more. Answers questions and provides basic information about marriage, divorce, adoption, custody and visitation, alimony and living together.