Congrats on the adoption and kudos for being there for the kids! My DH was adopted by his step-father.

Do you have an attorney handling the adoption who you can ask?

I would think as long as you are open and honest about it from the beginning it shouldn't be a problem. It might only be a problem if the father was contesting this but he's not. I have a "soliciting" misdemeaner on my record. I know that can sound like prostitution so I always mention it on job applications and what not. I used to have a job doing sales door to door. We didn't have a permit to be in this one town so that's what they wrote me up for. LOL

No attorneys (The county attorneys office is stepping in to do the adoption for free) Maybe I should call them on Monday and ask then.

Have they told you already that they would even be doing a background check?

There are men in jail for far worse crimes and still have rights to their children when they get out. I think you'll be ok :)

"I have a "soliciting" misdemeaner on my record. I know that can sound like prostitution so I always mention it on job applications and what not. I used to have a job doing sales door to door. "

Oh NO, JensNatPat! That's funny (probably not so much for you, sorry about that.) I know a few people who have "indecent exposure" due to public urination - makes them sound like flashers.

AFamilyOfRoses, I don't think a misdemeanor would automatically disqualify you, especially considering that the kids already live with you. (Unless it were for something related to children, or maybe domestic abuse - but it's not.) Good luck!

Thanks Mattie, it makes for a funny story to tell in interviews so it hasn't been so bad.

Roses, good luck and let us know how it goes. The kids are lucky to have you and will never have to question your love. :)

I don't know. Each state has different laws and requirements. I would think a misdemeanor is not of concern. A felony would concern me. A record involving children would also concern me. DUI/DWI might be of concern but I would think it would matter how long ago it was. Also, in most stepparent adoptions, the case worker possibly would ask about it and if you explain it as you did here, they could note it and decide it's not of concern.

Stepparent adoptions are different than any other adoption. You are married, live together and the biodad isn't an issue. I would contact a local attorney and 'inquire' about it. Maybe a free consultation to better understand or to better prepare for what will take place would be beneficial for you.

Good luck and congrats on becoming the 'legal' father. Very lucky kiddos!

Misdemeanors are fine. The only two things that will disqualify you are felony child abuse or felony drug abuse.

A step-parent adoption is a cakewalk, anyway---I don't think you even have to do a homestudy.

Good luck!

oops--I didn't mean felony drug "abuse." I meant drug convictions.

Not enough coffee this AM.

Lol love. Good Morning!!

I know here you have to do a homestudy but I've been told it's really not a big deal. They just want to see interaction between the two. Also told the entire process took less than 6 weeks to finalize. That's a cakewalk for sure

I really don't think that dog running away (not like you kicked him out) should be a manifestation of animal cruelty or should prevent you from adopting your stepkids, i hope not. Good luck! But if you are nervous, you might want to ask an attorney.

Just fyi.... you do have to do a homestudy in step parent adoptions. My husband adopted my son. It's not really too bad of a process. I wouldn't think this simple little misdemeanor would hurt you at all.