Stepparent Adoptions & My Dad, Randy

A stepparent adoption is near and dear to my heart for several reasons, the main one being my Dad, Randy Fohner. Although he was my stepdad (a term I dislike), he treated me and my two younger sisters as his own from day one. His son became our brother, and there was never any different or disparate treatment.

He took the role of Dad in our lives by stepping up to the plate and raising us as his own. He was the best Dad I could have been blessed with. He married my Mom when I was nine years old. My biological Dad, Richard, was also a great Dad, and they were both wonderful. My Dad, Richard, passed away when I was nineteen years old. My Dad, Randy, was there for every major event I can remember in my life - the good and the bad.

I lost my Dad, Randy, just a few short months ago. While I could not imagine life without him, I am now forced to navigate a life without him. He has always been the pillar of my family. It has been exceptionally difficult to lose him.

I will never lose the love he gave me, the ability to love someone who wasn't my blood as though they were. He was one of my best friends. He is someone that I speak of often in my practice and to my clients - especially my clients that I assist with stepparent adoptions.

I tell every client who is getting divorced that I assist that I hope they marry someone who treats their children the way my Dad, Randy, treated me. Writing past tense feels surreal and sad.

I pray that everyone finds a stepdad, or rather, Dad like mine. To love them, care for them, and dote on them, as my Dad did me. He will never know the impact he had on my life. I pray that I make him proud.

In cases where a biological parent is no longer interested or able to care for their children, and there is a willing and able stepparent, I am behind supporting them and helping them.

There is a reason why stepparent adoptions are some of the most rewarding of my career. I blessed to be able to attend as a guest, the adoption parties of some of my clients...even in different states. A special event such as this is meant to be celebrated and honored!

A stepparent adoption occurs when a stepparent steps up to the plate to raise a child or adult that they do not have to - it takes a special and important person to do that. That person is one-of-a-kind. The stepchild or children, have to consent, if fourteen (14) years old, or older. Remember, in AL, a child is a minor until they are nineteen (19) years of age - at that point, it becomes a stepparent adoption of an adult. The consent from the children is also something that is special - because they get to choose this person to be their forever parent. I always think that is neat.

If I can help you with your stepparent adoption in AL, please contact me, as I would be honored to assist!