An individual was recently baptized in our ward. She is married to a member, and has a daughter with a previous husband. This new member and her member husband hope to be sealed next spring. They would like her daughter to be sealed to them at the same time. Does the husband need to legally adopt the daughter for the daughter to be sealed to them? The husband from the previous marriage cannot be reached for legal reasons. We are unclear if the family will be able to proceed with legal adoption process.
If legal adoption is not available, can the daughter decide to be sealed to her stepfather once she turns 18?
Thanks,
Sealing adopted children
-
- Community Administrator
- Posts: 34487
- Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 2:53 pm
- Location: U.S.
Re: Sealing adopted children
I believe you'll find the answer in Handbook 1.
I think the child must be adopted be for being sealed. Not sure about when she becomes an adult.
I think the child must be adopted be for being sealed. Not sure about when she becomes an adult.
Have you searched the Help Center? Try doing a Google search and adding "site:churchofjesuschrist.org/help" to the search criteria.
So we can better help you, please edit your Profile to include your general location.
So we can better help you, please edit your Profile to include your general location.
-
- Senior Member
- Posts: 3908
- Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:17 am
- Location: Cumming, GA, USA
Re: Sealing adopted children
Look in Handbook 1 Section 3.6.2. There is some flexibility for step-children but it may not be helpful in this case. That section also addresses the options after the child turns 21.thaiboyzdad wrote:An individual was recently baptized in our ward. She is married to a member, and has a daughter with a previous husband. This new member and her member husband hope to be sealed next spring. They would like her daughter to be sealed to them at the same time. Does the husband need to legally adopt the daughter for the daughter to be sealed to them? The husband from the previous marriage cannot be reached for legal reasons. We are unclear if the family will be able to proceed with legal adoption process.
If legal adoption is not available, can the daughter decide to be sealed to her stepfather once she turns 18?
Thanks,