Adopted by stepfather after age 16…

[boghy80 0]

Hi everyone “Happy 4^th of July”, this is my first post here – I would like to get anyone’s advice based on my situation.

I’m about to submit the necessary paperwork to bring my parents here in US, since I’m naturalized, but I have a confusing situation regarding my stepfather.

My mother got divorced when I was very little, around age of 4, and they been married for more than 28 years, however my stepfather adopted me legally in Romania just before I turned 18.

When I looked at the qualification requirements, I’ve seen that one of the condition was to be adopted BEFORE the age of 16.

On my birth certificate it shows as father my stepfather with no mentioning of the biological father therefor I’m confused under which category to apply the I-130? I know that he doesn’t qualify as an adoptive parent however as stepfather – which he also is – he does qualify.

Any helpful input is appreciated – thank you.

Edited July 4, 2013 by boghy80

[Boiler 45,661]

I thought it was that they had to be married before that age.

[Mellow 8]

Hi everyone “Happy 4^th of July”, this is my first post here – I would like to get anyone’s advice based on my situation.

I’m about to submit the necessary paperwork to bring my parents here in US, since I’m naturalized, but I have a confusing situation regarding my stepfather.

My mother got divorced when I was very little, around age of 4, and they been married for more than 28 years, however my stepfather adopted me legally in Romania just before I turned 18.

When I looked at the qualification requirements, I’ve seen that one of the condition was to be adopted BEFORE the age of 16.

On my birth certificate it shows as father my stepfather with no mentioning of the biological father therefor I’m confused under which category to apply the I-130? I know that he doesn’t qualify as an adoptive parent however as stepfather – which he also is – he does qualify.

Any helpful input is appreciated – thank you.

You are the petitioner. Therefore the stepchild-stepfather relationship should have been established BEFORE your 18th birthday. If so then you can petition your stepfather.

[boghy80 0]

You are the petitioner. Therefore the stepchild-stepfather relationship should have been established BEFORE your 18th birthday. If so then you can petition your stepfather.

My mother married my stepfather when i was 4 years old, so yes the marriage was established way before i turned 18, however in form I-130 in Section A question 2, there is this question "Are you related by adoption?" - since my stepfather is related by adoption as well, which was finalized just before i turned 18, if i answer "Yes", would that create any issues? - where they may look at I-130 form being filled as adoption rather than stepchild-stepfather relationship?

[Mellow 8]

My mother married my stepfather when i was 4 years old, so yes the marriage was established way before i turned 18, however in form I-130 in Section A question 2, there is this question "Are you related by adoption?" - since my stepfather is related by adoption as well, which was finalized just before i turned 18, if i answer "Yes", would that create any issues? - where they may look at I-130 form being filled as adoption rather than stepchild-stepfather relationship?

You should answer NO to that question because the stepchild-stepfather relationship was established before the adoption. Might just confuse the adjudicator if you answer yes. Besides you are filing on the basis of stepchild-stepfather rather than through adoption. Just be consistent in what kind of relationship you are filing for in answering all the questions.