Any one experienced step parent adoption?

[Lasvegas]

I understand the legal process just wondered whether anyone had gone through it and had any tips. I know social services must be busy with urgent stuff so wondered how much in advance of starting adoption proceedings I should contact them?

DH was adopted by his step-dad - had to change his name at age 7 etc, and had a new sister only 6 months older.

He reckons his stepdad was better than any real dad.