North Carolina § 48-4-103 - Execution and content of consent to adoption by stepparent.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 48-4-103 — Execution and content of consent to adoption by stepparent., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 48-4-103. Execution and content of consent to adoption by stepparent.
A consent executed by a parent who is the stepparent's spouse: Must be signed and acknowledged before an individual authorized to administer oaths or take acknowledgments; Must be in writing and state or contain: The statements required by G.S. 48-3-606, except for those required by subdivisions (4), (9), (12), and (13) of that section; That the parent executing the consent has legal and physical custody of the child and is voluntarily consenting to the adoption of the child by the stepparent; That the adoption will not terminate the legal relation of parent and child between the parent executing the consent and the child; and That the adoption will terminate the legal relation of parent and child between the adoptee and the adoptee's other parent, including all right of the adoptee to inherit as a child from or through the other parent, and will extinguish any existing court order of custody, visitation, or communication with the adoptee, except that the other parent will remain liable for past-due child support payments unless legally released from this obligation. A consent executed by a minor stepchild's parent who is not the stepparent's spouse: Must be signed and acknowledged before an individual authorized to administer oaths or take acknowledgments; and Must be in writing and state or contain: The statements required by G.S. 48-3-606, except for those required by subdivisions (4), (9), (12), and (13) of that section; That the parent executing the consent is voluntarily consenting to: The transfer of any right the parent has to legal or physical custody of the child to the child's other parent and stepparent, and The adoption of the child by the stepparent; and That the adoption will terminate the legal relation of parent and child between the adoptee and the parent executing the consent, including all rights of the adoptee to inherit as a child from or through the parent, and will extinguish any court order of custody, visitation, or communication with the adoptee, except that the parent executing the consent will remain liable for past-due child support payments unless legally released from this obligation. A consent executed by the guardian of a minor stepchild: Must be signed and acknowledged before an individual authorized to administer oaths or take acknowledgments; and Must be in writing and state or contain: The statements required by G.S. 48-3-606, except for those required by subdivisions (4), (9), (12), and (13) of that section; A statement that the guardian is voluntarily consenting to: The transfer of any right the guardian has to legal or physical custody of the adoptee to the adoptive stepparent; and The adoption of the adoptee by the stepparent; That the adoption will not terminate the legal relation of parent and child between a parent who is or was the stepparent's spouse and the adoptee; That the adoption will terminate the legal relation of parent and child between the adoptee and a parent who is not or has not been the stepparent's spouse, including all right of the adoptee to inherit from or through that parent, and will extinguish any court order of custody, visitation, or communication with the adoptee, except that a parent whose relation to the adoptee is terminated by the adoption will remain liable for past-due child support payments unless legally released from this obligation. G.S. 48-3-608(a) applies to consents executed pursuant to subsections (a) through (c) of this section. Unless so revoked, the consent is final and irrevocable except under a circumstance set forth in G.S. 48-3-609. A consent executed by an adoptee in a proceeding for adoption by a stepparent must be signed and acknowledged under oath before an individual authorized to administer oaths or take acknowledgments. The minor may revoke the consent at any time before the decree is entered by filing written notice with the court in which the petition is pending. History (1949, c. 300; 1957, c. 778, s. 6; 1961, c. 186; 1969, c. 982; 1983, cc. 83, 688; 1985, c. 758, s. 12; 1987, c. 541, s. 1; 1991, c. 667, s. 1.) § 48-4-104: Repealed by Session Laws 1997-215, s. 12(b).
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 48-4-103
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 48-4-103 cover?
Section 48-4-103 ("Execution and content of consent to adoption by stepparent.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 48-4-103?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 48-4-103" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 48-4-103 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.