Seal to Adopt Heidi Klum’s Oldest Child

Earlier this month, supermodel/television host Heidi Klum filed paperwork to officially take the last name of her husband, singer Seal (last name: Samuel). It now looks like that was just the first step towards legally completing their family. Seal will reportedly complete the legal adoption of Klum’s first child, five-year-old Leni.

Seal and Klum began dating in 2003 when Klum was pregnant with Leni. Leni’s biological father, Italian businessman Flavio Briatore, has never been active in Leni’s life. He and Klum had a short-lived relationship which ended after she became pregnant.

Seal was present at Leni’s birth and married Klum the following year. They now have three children of their own, Henry, Johan and Lou.

German newspaper BILD says that Klum’s lawyers have already received Briatore’s consent to the adoption. Klum’s father confirmed the adoption to BILD.

In a step-parent adoption, the biological parent who is, in essence, being replaced must consent to the adoption and waive any parental rights in the future. This results in a total legal cut-off between the child and the biological parent. There is no legal requirement for visitation or child support. There is no right to inherit from the parent or the child.

All legal rights and obligations of the biological parent are terminated and the step-parent assumes those legal rights and obligations. Even if Seal and Klum were to divorce in the future, Seal would still have a right to seek custody of Leni (after the adoption is complete) and/or visitation. He would still have a child support obligation for her in the event that her mother retained primary physical custody.