Marine Adopts Stepchild with Help from Local Pro Bono Attorney

A Marine’s spouse had a child from a previous relationship. The child had no relationship with their father, and the child lived full time with the Marine and their mother, and the Marine acted as the child’s de-facto father. The Marine wanted to make things official in the eyes of the law, and thus, wanted to adopt his stepchild. He visited his local legal assistance office for help.

The Marine’s legal assistance attorney referred his case to the ABA Military Pro Bono Project, which then paired the Marine with an experienced attorney in his area. The attorney worked with the couple on the adoption until it was approved and finalized, allowing the Marine to become the child’s legal father.