Step-parent adoptions involve situations where an individual may seek to adopt the biological child or children of their spouses. The couple usually must obtain the consent of the other biological parent of the child to initiate the process. In some cases, getting the necessary permission may not be easy, especially if the other biological parent is uncooperative or challenging to locate. In some cases, the court may not require consent for a stepparent adoption to occur. For example, whether the consent of the biological parent is necessary can depend on whether this person is listed on the child’s birth certificate.