Can a Stepparent Adopt a Stepchild in Nevada?

Can a stepparent adopt a stepchild in Nevada? Absolutely. In fact, stepparent adoption is the most common form of adoption performed in Nevada.

Stepparent adoption is most commonly used when a divorced spouse who has custody of the children from the previous marriage remarries and the new stepparent desires to adopt the children as his or her own. This process can be simple, but things may become very complicated if the birth mother or father in question is unwilling to relinquish their parental rights. Without the birth-parent's permission you will need to demonstrate that the parent is somehow unfit.

If you are considering stepparent adoption, contact the experienced attorneys at Ellsworth, Moody & Bennion, Chtd.

The FMP - Nevada Foreclosure Mediation Program

On August 19th, the Nevada Supreme Court appointed the first 97 mediators pursuant to the landmark Foreclosure Mediation Program (Assembly Bill 149) passed by the Nevada Legislature during the 2009 session. Two of those mediators include our very own Keen Ellsworth and Todd Moody.

The new program is designed to help alleviate some of the pressure Nevadans are currently feeling due the housing crisis, as Nevada currently has the highest foreclosure rate in the country. Under the program, overstretched homeowners and and their respective lenders are able to meet together with a trained mediator and find a reasonable and workable alternative to foreclosure.

The most important requirements for eligibility to participate in the Foreclosure Mediation Program are as follows:

1. The owner must still live in the home.
2. The notice of default must have been recorded on or after July 1, 2009.
3. The $400 mediation fee must be split equally between the homeowner and lender.
4. The mediation must be conducted within (80) days of the Default and Election to Sell being recorded by the lender and served on the homeowner.

For more information about this program contact either Keen Ellsworth or Todd Moody or go to Nevada Judiciary's foreclosure mediation link.