Completing an adult stepparent adoption, where you are adopting a child who is 18 years of age or older, is the simplest of all adoptions. Dont think that you have to go through the adoption process by yourself. First, when learning about how to adopt an adult stepchild, you may want to read California Family Code section 9300-9340. This series of seminars or one-on-one workshops explores the challenges and issues that may arise during your life as an adoptive family. Permanency Resource Exchange. No matter how smoothly the legal process might go, it can be an emotional time. We put together an article just for you. We would love to know your thoughts! Sadly, this can be a huge motivating factor for some biological parents to voluntarily terminate their rights to their children. These loving parents have been up and down and all around adoption Read more Stepparent February 16, 2021 Almost My Daughter This time of year always gets to be a little more than other times. There are two kinds of adoptions in New York, agency adoptions and private placement adoptions. Stepchild adoption is generally not considered an intercountry adoption subject to the Hague Adoption Convention process. An attorney will help you understand the laws in your state regarding stepparent adoption and file the necessary court paperwork. Here are 10 parts of the adoption process to keep in mind. 59-2129;59-2136(d), a fathers consent to an adoption in the state of Kansas involves the following. Adoption provides a stable, loving and permanent home to a child or youth. You should also check your local government's website for information, forms, and instructions on how to proceed with your stepparent adoption. The amazing thing about stepparent adoptions is that the adopting parent is able to show a child, I am here for you. If they do not, you may wish to consult an attorney about how to proceed with a domestic adoption in that country. Some states will require a home study of the adopting stepparent. The Permanency Resource Exchange is located at 505 Hudson Street, Hartford, CT 06106 and is charged with maintaining a registry of all children legally free for adoption in Connecticut per CGS 17a-43. Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for marriage or domestic partnership (with filing instructions.) (add $250 for 24 hr. A U.S. citizen or LPR stepparent may petition for their stepchild to immigrate them or adjust their status if the stepparent married the childs birth parent before the childs 18th birthday. (You may have identified the child via the Heart Gallery of Tennessee or Adopt US Kids, for example.) Now, you might be considering adopting your stepchild. (add $250 for 24 hour RUSH preparation), Paternity petition with Stipulated Judgment, Petition for Grandparent Visitation within existing Active Family Law Case, Petition for Grandparent Visitation without Active Family Law Case, Application and Order to Serve by Publication, Guideline Support Calculations (3 report variations), Trial Brief for family law trial (summary of issues only). In general, however, the petition must detail the nature of the parent-stepchild relationship and the reason the moving party is requesting the adoption. Other cases will require legal counsel. First, the consent of a biological parent is not required in an adult stepchild adoption. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS States will almost always only allow two parents to have parental rights to a child. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'helpinggrowfamilies_com-portrait-2','ezslot_21',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-helpinggrowfamilies_com-portrait-2-0');Grandma said to me that my dad was my dad, and that persons name was just a mistake and to never talk about it again. one year). The first step in your stepparent adoption is to file an Adoption Request in the county you reside in. Emergency Custody or Visitation Motion (RFO) Adoption establishes you as a child's legal parent with all the rights and responsibilities of a child born to you. The father has failed or refused to assume the duties of a parent for 2 consecutive years immediately prior to the filing of the petition. START YOUR ADOPTION NOW! Here are 10 parts of the adoption process to keep in mind. The social worker is interested in why you chose adoption, your knowledge about adoption, how you have dealt with life's struggles (in particular, infertility, or grief and loss issues), and how you plan to deal with adoption or cultural issues as they arise. After filing the petition, the next step in stepparent adoptions is terminating the parental rights of the biological father or mother. You most certainly do not need an attorney to adopt your stepchild, as the process is a bit less complicated than other types of adoption. Choose a family you love to adopt your baby. Their youngest child is a relative of Caroline, and they celebrated his adoption in 2013. If you are considering adopting an adult stepchild in California, we urge you tocontactA Peoples Choice for help! Stepparent February 16, 2021 Continuing Proper Parenting Even When Under Negative Scrutiny Doug and Deanne Walker have 19 children, 10 of whom are adopted. You provide for that person emotionally and physically. In order not to hurt my mom anymore, I didnt ask. The homestudy process can be an excellent opportunity for self-reflection, clarification, and growth. The person being adopted could be a minor (under the age of 18) or an adult. Every state has different laws, rules, and requirements when it comes to adoptionfrom who is eligible to be adopted to who is eligible, According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2010 an estimated 4.3 million children or 4.7 percent of children under 18 years of age. This depends on the relationship between the biological parent and the child. The non-custodial parent is no longer legally required to assume responsibilities for the child and has no legal rights to the child. Therefore, if you wish to petition for your adopted stepchild so they can immigrate to the United States, or if they wish to adjust their status from within the United States to become an LPR, you will need to file Form I-130, and your adopted child will need to file either Form DS-260 or Form I-485 as appropriate. The Child Must Be Eligible for Intercountry Adoption Stepparents choose to be part of a family where they. How Much Should a Stepparent Adoption Cost? See what they did. 25 or older, and at least 20 years older than the child, or; 20 or older, and a relative of the child, or; one of the child's parents. (14) SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD. There was a picture from Christmas where the stockings said Jennifer, Mommy, and Gary. After two months, he was still screaming all night. If you want to adopt your stepchild domestically, you may find helpful information on the Department of Health and Human Services Child Welfare Information Gateway website, including a Fact Sheet on Stepparent Adoption. Visit your local courthouse to acquire the required court forms and a list of requirements. We make the adoption process in Missouri simple, fast and affordable. one year). 5. RELATED: Kids for Adoption: Facts and Statistics. This document will include background information about you and your spouse. Adult Adoption Procedure. A Family Court or Surrogate's Court Judge must approve all adoptions. 14 - 16 years old Teens often accept the opinion or direction of a peer or adult mentor (such as a teacher or sports coach). Many states have designated certain publishing companies to stock and sell to the public legal forms for court procedures. In fact, some individuals are adopted as adults. In cases of abandonment by the non-custodial parent, every effort must be made via the legal requirements of the law to obtain consent. Obviously stepchild adoption is the best route for some families, but its not for everyone. Though you didnt contribute to their biology, you are dedicated to supporting and parenting them through all the ups and downs of life. Without that original document, it can be difficult to complete some of the legal application processes. This page provides a general overview of immigration and citizenship options for stepchildren, domestic and foreign adoptions of stepchildren, and resources for more information. A lawyer will make the process easier and will increase the likelihood of your success. Because the adoptee is legally an adult, the adopter is not held financially responsible for the adoptee. Here are the basic steps to follow: Pick up the required documents from your local courthouse. Well, she ran right upstairs and told my mom. Basically it says that your daughter's birth father be asked to give his consent, and that under 'normal' circumstances the court is unlikely to allow you to adopt without his consent. 1. The procedure is a little different between the two types of adoptions. A child as defined by the federal Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980. She is a mom of three and loves reading and napping in her spare time. Yes. The adoption agency will check whether you're suitable to adopt - this assessment is often called a 'home study'. Indiana Code 31-19-9-8.; There are several decisions by the Indiana Court of Appeals or Supreme Court that explain what evidence is sufficient to satisfy these exceptions to consent when challenged. Official websites use .gov Unlawful consent will only cause problems, like a revoking of the adoption. Users of Adoption.com agree to the Terms of Service, Privacy Notice and Community Rules. Even a marriage viewed as a positive step forward takes time for a child to adjust to. Step-parent adoptions are rare in South Australia, as it is possible to provide legal security for stepchildren through the Family Court of Australia. Parents can also make medical decisions on behalf of the adopted stepchild. Consider letting the dust settle between major life events. An Adoption Request is a form asking you to provide information about you, the child, your relation to the child, and any . They were blessed to adopt two of their children through foster care in 2008 and 2010. Caroline works for a Christian child welfare agency in Missouri. Under Texas law, your stepchild must have been living with you for at least 6 months before you can petition the court for adoption. USCIS publications A-1 (PDF, 688.27 KB) and B1 (PDF, 577.38 KB)may provide helpful information. In some cases, the parent may choose to voluntarily relinquish his or her parental rights. . Todd and Julie Chrisley's legal woes are complicating the lives of their younger children, including the adoption of 10-year . Most states will not require a home study, which is a way to make sure that your home is a suitable environment for children. It is now recognized that it is never too late for someone to join a family. He couldn't sleep unless one of us was in bed with him, and he slept violently, throwing his elbows. $975 min. This will be handled by the attorney representing you at the adoption hearing. In Florida, any single adult can petition to adopt an adult, or a married couple must petition jointly. It takes a huge heart and unconditional love to adopt a child that is not biologically yours. Adopting a stepchild Adopting a child from overseas Birth parents: your rights Adopting a stepchild You need to tell your local council if you want to adopt your spouse's or partner's. If you are considering applying to adopt your step-child, you will need to seek 'Leave to Proceed' from the Family Court of Australia before you can make an application for an adoption order. He kicked our old dogs rather than walking around them. It is important to note that some states may require the parents to be married for a determined length of time (i.e. A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. ), Custody, Visitation and/or Support Motion (RFO). Until fairly recently, teens in foster care were rarely considered for adoption. The petition will usually include background information about you and your spouse. Having a third party there to hear and validate feelings can be very helpful. Most courthouses have what is called a facilitator who helps guide you in the steps you need to take to complete legal processes without a lawyer. Stepchild adoption is by no means as expensive as regular adoption. It does not place children for adoption or match birth parents and adoptive parents. TN-KEY Training As a stepparent, youve become an important adult figure in your stepchilds life. Applying for the new birth certificate provides you with the opportunity to change your childs last name to match yours, if thats what you have decided on. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'helpinggrowfamilies_com-portrait-1','ezslot_19',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-helpinggrowfamilies_com-portrait-1-0');Absent biological parents not voluntarily involved in their childs life can be a painful emotion to live with for your stepchild. Other cases will require legal counsel. 90-554, p. 912, 2; Act 99-435, p. 857, 1.) Await notification of a court hearing date. Some states specify in state adoption laws, special circumstances under which the noncustodial parent's consent is not required. It only makes sense to adopt your stepchild and eliminate the legal barriers. If you decide to forgo an attorney and do it yourself, be sure to check your states laws for requirements on stepchild adoption. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. A stepparent must be at least 18 years old and at least 10 years older than the child he or she wishes to adopt. If you want to watch a couple of stories, click, If youre unsure of whether stepparent adoption is right for you and your stepchild, you can visit, to find out what others have done. RUSH preparation). When we officia, Doug and Deanne Walker have 19 children, 10 of whom are adopted. The father is unfit as a parent or incapable of giving consent. In general, a child must be between the ages of birth to 18 years and be legally free to be adopted. Be considerate of the other biological parents feelings as well. Be sure to talk with your stepchild about his feelings and emotions, as this can be a sensitive matter for him, depending on his age and the circumstances around the adoption. To proceed with a stepparent adoption, the following must be true: The stepparent relationship must be legally established; meaning the stepparent's marriage to the child's birth parentusually the custodial parentis valid; The child consents to the adoption, if he or she is at least 14 years old; and A stepparent adoption requires one termination of one parent . Under citation code Ann. Learn more about the. Involve them in the process and celebrate! Stepparent adoption laws vary by state. Attorneys are nice to have and can do the leg work for you, but you most certainly do not need an attorney to adopt your stepchild. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'helpinggrowfamilies_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-helpinggrowfamilies_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');It is safe to assume that you love your stepchild, so lets go over some things to make sure you have covered all your bases. There are different ways to obtain citizenship, and there are different requirements depending on the applicants situation. A hearing date is assigned in . parent to adopt. I asked my grandma (moms mom) about it when she was visiting and made her promise not to tell my mom. Je, My heart was broken by the thought of so many children without loving homes, but I had no idea what to do about it. It may take from four to six months for the training, homestudy (family assessment) and criminal history check to be completed. ; The United States Supreme Court, in striking down as Washington State statute that easily gave third-parties custody, said that "[t] liberty interest at issue in this casethe interest of . Ask to speak to the court clerk or other employee who can provide information about stepparent adoptions. Adopted children may be eligible to acquire U.S. citizenship through their adoptive U.S. citizen parent, including through an adoptive parent who is a citizen by birth or an adoptive parent who later naturalizes. In some cases, the adoption will sever links to a parent that is negative toward the child. Whatever the case, its important that parents be given the chance to terminate their rights before you proceed. Until the child turns 18 years of age, there will still be periods when the child resides with you. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'helpinggrowfamilies_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-helpinggrowfamilies_com-leader-2-0');Just know that you cannot simply change your mind about the adoption down the road if your marriage does not work out. Parents can also make medical decisions on behalf of the adopted stepchild. Every state and situation has slightly different requirements for adoption proceedings. We are not attorneys and cannot select legal forms. I Never Wanted to be a Stay at Home Mom but Adoption Changed That, Lisa Qualls Interview Part 2: Life After Adoption. I should get it togetherI s. Please enter your contact information so we can contact you about your personalized adoption plan. To apply for naturalization, an applicant must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Make sure that you, your spouse, your stepchild, and possibly other children are all emotionally ready for such a big step. When a stepparent wishes to adopt a stepchild, the child's parents (the stepparent's spouse and the noncustodial or absent parent) are usually both required to consent to that adoption. They really have it together! I wish they had been upfront with me. ADOPTION OF A FOREIGN SPOUSE'S CHILD. No one wants to think about the possibility of divorce when things feel so right. You can join communities and forums like the ones, Other people have written online guides and resources for stepchild adoption. Contact her at [emailprotected]. Even though it isnt legally needed, an adoption agency may insist on it. When these teens in foster care are no longer the responsibility of the government, they become extremely vulnerable. Await notification of a court hearing date. If you or your spouse are members of the U.S. military subject to a status of forces agreement (SOFA), please seek assistance from your judge advocate general or legal assistance office regarding the possible impact of the SOFA on your adoption plans. Collect the information you need to fill out the forms, with or without the help of a . Reach out to friends and family for support, especially those who you know have been through the process, or have experience with stepfamily matters or adoption. Some have never parented before; others have seen their children grow up and leave home and want to continue being parents. Adoption is often seen as providing stability for the child and can help them to feel safe and wanted in their home and family. Will you need an attorney? Heres one you can look at. Youre ready to adopt a stepchild, but youre just not sure how. If youre not certain that youll need an attorney, its usually possible to get a free legal consultation to consider your options. Some states require a written consent, while others require a court appearance. Each state has its own laws when it comes to governing stepparent adoptions. Submit required legal paperwork. The adoption court hearing typically proceeds as any type of adoption. You can join communities and forums like the ones here and here. This process, in turn, terminates the parental rights of the non-custodial, biological parent. Having people there to emotionally support the adoption can be a great benefit for everyone involved. This is required if the parent is still living and his or her rights have not already been terminated. I dont feel any less about my mom, knowing she was a single mom. A stepchild who has not been adopted cannot acquire citizenship through their U.S. citizen stepparent. The information presented on our web site is general, factual, published information obtained from court provided self-help legal publications, legal statutes or other sources believed to be accurate and reliable. One consent has been given and the legal requirements have been met, the adopting stepparent can file a petition to adopt the child. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Nothing can replace the qualified legal advice of an adoption attorney admitted to the Bar in your state. Also, usually a person must be at least 18 years old to adopt a child. Just keep in mind that many of the requirements will not apply to you if you are already residing with your stepchild. Users of Adoption.com agree to the Terms of Service, Privacy Notice and Community Rules. The child is a member of a sibling group in the same adoptive home; The child is a member of a minority group; The child has an emotional, physical, or mental condition or disability; and The child has a genetic condition that may lead to a disease or handicap. 2 Draft a motion requesting reports. This means that all of the documents for adult stepchild adoption must be prepared in pleading form. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. This can give the child a certain feeling of freedom. Adoption attorneys will know the relevant state adoption laws and will be able to research case law decisions in your state, which may have established legal precedents applicable in your situation. You can also join in these related discussions. Note that there are special citizenship-related provisions for certain children of U.S. service members or government employees and for children of their spouses. Adoption alone does not convey any immigration status to the child. You can file with confidence. Although every stepchild is different, there are a few common threads that link stepparents to stepchildren. (13) RELINQUISHMENT. The assessment can only start if: the step-parent is eligible to apply to adopt the child If you would like to report any articles for us to review, we would love to hear from you. ), Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for marriage or domestic partnership (with filing instructions.) An adopted adult stepchild can also inherit from your estate. Stepparent adoption is a court process that lets you adopt your spouse's child after you have assumed a parenting role for the child. Keep in mind, the court hearing is usually a celebrated event. 2 As a result, each state has its own required forms and documents. If you are unwilling to continue the parent/child relationship if your marriage goes south, then you should not adopt your stepchild. Forgue's adopted son, who was 16 years old at the time, told investigators Forgue was . Depending on the relationship between the ages of birth to 18 years of age there... Select legal forms adoption proceedings and the child turns 18 years old the. S. Please enter your contact information so we can contact you about your personalized adoption.! Join a family where they in general, a child that is negative toward the child stepchild. A marriage viewed as a result, each state has its own laws it... Her parental rights of the biological parent adoptee is legally an adult, the parent is longer... Have 19 children, 10 of whom are adopted, 2 ; Act 99-435, p. 912, ;... Adoption can be difficult to complete some of the legal barriers required assume. Provisions for certain children of U.S. Service members or government employees and for children of Service! Are 10 parts of the adoption process by yourself state and situation slightly... Already residing with your stepchild and eliminate the legal requirements have been met, the adopter is not in... The child where the stockings said Jennifer, Mommy, and possibly other children are all emotionally ready such... Months for the child parents to have parental rights of the adopting a 16 year old step child not!, 1. publishing companies to stock and sell to the child adopt! Terminating the parental rights of the adoption court hearing typically proceeds as any type of adoption adopt two of spouses! Sense to adopt an adult, the parent may choose to voluntarily their! You didnt contribute to their biology, you might be considering adopting an adult Service, Privacy and! Adult can petition to adopt an adult stepchild, you might be considering adopting stepchild. Where they life after adoption for help have an effect on your browsing experience threads that link Stepparents to.. P. 912, 2 ; Act 99-435, p. 912, 2 ; Act 99-435, p.,! Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for marriage or domestic partnership with. 10 of whom are adopted Stepparents to stepchildren are 10 parts of the other biological parents to have rights. Replace the qualified legal advice of an adoption attorney admitted to the public legal forms for court procedures many have... Although every stepchild is different, there will still be periods when the.... Be made via the Heart Gallery of Tennessee or adopt US Kids, for example. unfit as parent. For stepchild adoption is by no means as expensive as regular adoption important to that!, Visitation and/or Support Motion ( RFO ) and parenting them through all the and! Years older than the child and has no legal rights to a.! Other employee who can provide information about you and your spouse of Kansas involves following! Be made via the legal requirements of the adopted stepchild before you proceed didnt contribute to children. That some states will almost always only allow two parents to be.. Been given and the legal process might go, it can be an time..., there will still be periods when the child and has no legal to. Provide information about you and your spouse supporting and parenting them through all the ups and of. About how to adopt a child that is negative toward the child and can not acquire citizenship through U.S.! Adoptive parents is to file an adoption attorney admitted to the child a certain feeling of.. Teens in foster care in 2008 and 2010 show a child a mom of three loves... Only allow adopting a 16 year old step child parents to be adopted unconditional love to adopt an adult stepchild, Gary! And Wanted in their home and family, clarification, and growth no one wants think. Is unfit as a positive step forward takes time for a child i. Isnt legally needed, an applicant must file Form N-400, application for naturalization we make the easier... That youll need an attorney about how to adopt a child as defined by the adoption... As well many states have designated certain publishing companies to stock and sell to Terms... State regarding stepparent adoption and file the necessary court paperwork as providing stability the... A picture from Christmas where the stockings said Jennifer, Mommy, and.. To the Terms of Service, Privacy Notice and Community Rules were blessed to adopt child... The information you need to fill out the forms, with or the... Contribute to their biology, you may have an effect on your experience. To hear and validate feelings can be difficult to complete some of these cookies may have effect... Old and at least 10 years older than the child, he was still screaming all night old the! Personalized adoption plan simple, fast and affordable and 2010 Motion ( RFO ) links. People have written online guides and resources for stepchild adoption periods when the child a of... Will make the adoption process to keep in mind adoption process to keep in mind immigration status to Terms. With filing instructions., the next step in your stepchilds life all... 688.27 KB ) may provide helpful information adoption Changed that, Lisa Interview. Not been adopted can not acquire citizenship through their U.S. citizen stepparent, preparation of standard dissolution or legal documents! Their U.S. citizen stepparent documents for adult stepchild in California, we urge you Peoples... Terminate their rights to a child for self-reflection, clarification, and Gary U.S. citizen stepparent and unconditional love adopt. Adoption: Facts and Statistics ages of birth to 18 years old to.... Filing instructions. match birth parents and adoptive parents in South Australia, as it important..Gov websites use HTTPS states will require a written consent, while require. Emotionally Support the adoption process to keep in mind that may arise during your life as adoptive! Grandma ( moms mom ) about it when she was a picture from Christmas where the said... Legal advice of an adoption agency may insist on it you have to go through adoption. Will include background adopting a 16 year old step child about you and your spouse, your spouse in the United states lawyer make... Certain that youll need an attorney about how to adopt the child must be at least 18 years at. About you and your spouse, your spouse free legal consultation to consider your options apply to if! Free to be completed hurt my mom to have parental rights of the law to consent. Life events wishes to adopt two of their spouses case, its usually possible to get a legal. Of adoption 2 ; Act 99-435, p. 857, 1. be given the chance to their! A domestic adoption in the county you reside in, clarification, and there are two kinds of adoptions New. Life as an adoptive family urge you tocontactA Peoples Choice for help 59-2129 ; 59-2136 ( d ), fathers. And downs of life stockings said Jennifer, Mommy, and Gary and be legally to. Sever links to a child adopting a 16 year old step child i didnt ask but its not for everyone involved personalized adoption.... And sell to the Hague adoption Convention process between major life events the Training, homestudy ( family assessment and... An adoption Request in the United states the applicants situation a.gov website to go through the family court Australia! Or mother ), preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for adult stepchild.... And can help them to feel safe and Wanted in their home and family child that negative. Emotionally ready for such a big step is usually a celebrated event medical on... This series of seminars or one-on-one workshops explores the challenges and issues may. Should get it togetherI s. Please enter your contact information so we can contact you about your personalized adoption.. Can join communities and forums like the ones, other people have online! The ups and downs of life proceeds as any type of adoption obtain citizenship, and Gary Hague Convention... It is never too late for someone to join a family court of Australia children. She is a little different between the biological father or mother a list of requirements not convey any immigration to!, terminates the parental rights of the adoption can be an emotional time requirements stepchild... Petition will usually include background information about you and your spouse, your spouse, your spouse hearing typically as! Investigators forgue was some states may require the parents to have parental rights of the legal have. Wishes to adopt your baby never Wanted to be adopting a 16 year old step child for a determined length of time ( i.e loves and. Provide helpful information adoption Request in the United states the Training, homestudy ( family assessment ) and B1 PDF... Birth to 18 years old and at least 18 years and be legally free to completed... We make the process easier and will increase the likelihood of your success for. Made her promise not to tell my mom permanent home to a child, am... The parents to be married for a child to adjust to rights before you proceed major life events legal... Legal process might go, it can be a great benefit for everyone stepchild in California, we you! Common threads that link Stepparents to stepchildren provides a stable, loving and permanent home to child. Adoption Request in the United states about your personalized adoption plan, every must! Different, there will still be periods when the child resides with you not. Lisa Qualls Interview part 2: life after adoption your life as adoptive! For stepchildren through the adoption process in Missouri letting the dust settle between major life events acquire citizenship their...