dadopting

Dadopting is a neologism used to describe the process by which a male caregiver becomes a parent through formal adoption or through arrangements that establish a legal father–child relationship. The term blends “dad” and “adopting” and is most often encountered in online parenting discussions and informal conversations about family formation. It does not represent a distinct legal category; rather, it highlights the paternal role within adoptive, foster-to-adopt, or step-parent adoption scenarios.

Etymology and usage of the term are informal. It emerged in online communities during the 2010s as conversations about father involvement in non-biological parent-child bonds grew more common. Today, its use varies by context and speaker, and many people prefer more formal language for legal or official discussions.

Forms of dadopting can include formal adoption by a male guardian, step-parent adoption in which a man completes a legal process to become the child’s legal father, or other guardianship arrangements pursued with the aim of establishing paternal rights and responsibilities. The emphasis is on the paternal bond and caregiving role, rather than genetic ties, though legal outcomes depend on jurisdiction.

Legal status: The label itself does not confer any legal status. The rights and duties associated with dadopting come from the applicable adoption or guardianship laws, which may require home studies, consent, or court approval.

Criticism and alternatives: Some critics view dadopting as a casual or redundant term; others find it a helpful shorthand for discussing fatherly involvement in non-biological family formations. Alternatives include “adoptive father” or “father through adoption.”

See also: Adoption, Foster care, Step-parent adoption, Guardianship.