Sealing adopted children

An individual was recently baptized in our ward. She is married to a member, and has a daughter with a previous husband. This new member and her member husband hope to be sealed next spring. They would like her daughter to be sealed to them at the same time. Does the husband need to legally adopt the daughter for the daughter to be sealed to them? The husband from the previous marriage cannot be reached for legal reasons. We are unclear if the family will be able to proceed with legal adoption process.

If legal adoption is not available, can the daughter decide to be sealed to her stepfather once she turns 18?

Thanks,

I believe you'll find the answer in Handbook 1.

I think the child must be adopted be for being sealed. Not sure about when she becomes an adult.

thaiboyzdad wrote:An individual was recently baptized in our ward. She is married to a member, and has a daughter with a previous husband. This new member and her member husband hope to be sealed next spring. They would like her daughter to be sealed to them at the same time. Does the husband need to legally adopt the daughter for the daughter to be sealed to them? The husband from the previous marriage cannot be reached for legal reasons. We are unclear if the family will be able to proceed with legal adoption process.

If legal adoption is not available, can the daughter decide to be sealed to her stepfather once she turns 18?

Thanks,

Look in Handbook 1 Section 3.6.2. There is some flexibility for step-children but it may not be helpful in this case. That section also addresses the options after the child turns 21.