The adoption of a child is an incredible responsibility to undertake, and something that people choose to do under a number of different circumstances. And because of the gravity of the situation, the Kansas Courts will take great pains to ensure that not only is this measure in the best interest of the child, but that it is in your best interests as well. This is not something that a person can erase a few months later.
In some adoptions, a proposed adoptive resource will have the Child in need of care Court's permission to adopt a child whose parents have already lost or relinquished their parental rights. If a proposed adoptive child still has legal parents, you must obtain a relinquishment or termination before you can proceed.
A Court will also require a home study and other information regarding the well-being of your personal situation before it grants a petition for adoption. In the event of a step-parent adoption, the code has made it a bit easier to adopt, but you will still need the consent of the natural parents, or a termination of parental rights of the parent who is not your spouse.
A guardianship is another means of attaining custody rights, but holding short of attaining full parental rights. Guardianships, as well as adoptions, can be petitioned for even if the proposed ward or adoptee is now an adult.
Kansas Probate Code K.S.A. Chapter 59 (regarding adoptions)
Kansas Probate Code K.S.A. Chapter 59 (regarding guardianships)