What is the difference between a declaration of parentage and a step-parent adoption?

A declaration of parentage is a court order confirming that someone already qualifies, under Ontario's parentage rules, to be recognized as a child's legal parent — it applies where the facts support parentage under the existing legal framework but need a court's confirmation, such as in some surrogacy or assisted reproduction situations. A step-parent adoption is different: it creates a new parent-child relationship where one didn't otherwise exist, typically where a step-parent wants full legal status as a parent to a spouse's or partner's child from a previous relationship, and it generally requires the consent of the child's existing legal parents, or a court dispensing with that consent.

In short, a declaration of parentage recognizes parentage that already exists in substance, while an adoption creates it where it doesn't. Which route applies depends heavily on the specific facts, so anyone unsure which process fits their family situation should get advice early, since starting the wrong application can waste time and money.