FILING PROCEDURES:

PETITION FOR ADOPTION BY STEP-PARENT

FEES:       See Fees Associated with Adoptions     

FORMS REQUIRED

• Petition for Adoption (PCA 301)

• Four letters of reference from non-relatives

• Social History form (Montcalm County form)

• Petitioner’s Verified Accounting (PCA 347) 7-day/21 day

• Statement of Services Performed by Attorney (PCA 346) 7–day/21 day

   (if services of attorney are used)

• Certified copies (containing the raised seal) of the following documents:

              • Child’s Birth Certificate

              • Judgment of Divorce for petitioner/bio-parent

              • Any custody, support, visitation, paternity orders entered

                regarding the child

              • Marriage license for petitioners

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a resident of Montcalm County for not less than one year prior

  to the date of filing.       

• Petitioners must be married for at least one year prior to the date of filing. 

• Consent of the non-custodial parent is required.  

• The adoptee (if 14 years of age or older) mustconsent to the adoption.

FILING:  It is recommended that the document be brought to the Probate

            Court office by the petitioner for filing.  Filings may be completed by

            mail, however there may be a delay if your documents are not

            complete or correct.  See Location/Hours of Court.

Keep copies of all documents filed with the Court for your records and to provide to the interested persons.  Copies obtained from the Court are $1.00 per page.