Unfortunately, a nonbiological parent having their name on their child’s birth certificate is not sufficient to create legal relationship in many states, particularly those that do not honor a marital presumption of parentage for same-sex couples. In a step-parent adoption, a married, nonbiological parent can create a legally binding relationship with the biological child of their spouse. The process is similar to second-parent adoption and can be a smart option for our LGBTQ+ clients who are using a donor sperm or egg to have a baby. It is important to know that like second-parent adoption, in some states, this process is arduous and may require home inspections, background checks, and extra fees.