You might be surprised to know that the process for adopting a stepchild in Florida is way less extensive and involved than you may think. Many stepparents love their stepchildren as their own and wish to adopt them. So how do you adopt your stepchild in Florida?
Although there are some other factors and requirements, the basics of adopting a stepchild in Florida
-the stepparent and child must have lived in Florida for at least the last 6 months
-both parents of the child must give their permission, or the court may waive that requirement if the parent who is not married to the stepparent has abandoned the child (as defined under Florida law)
If you meet these requirements and are wishing to adopt your stepchild, Tammi Driver Law can help walk you through the process and facilitate an expedient stepparent adoption for you.
It is important to note that if your stepchild is over the age of 12, they will also be required to provide written consent to the adoption. It is important that a child over the age of 12 understand that the parent who is not married to the stepparent will no longer have legal parental rights, and they should be comfortable with this before consenting to the stepparent adoption.
Can I adopt my stepchild on my own or do I need an attorney?
In Florida, you can find family law forms on-line that can be used for a stepparent adoption. Approved forms can be found at this link: https://www.flcourts.org/Resources-Services/Court-Improvement/Self-Help-Information
However, we highly recommend that you at least consult with an attorney experienced in this area of law. If the parent who is not married to the stepparent is not willing to consent to the adoption or their location is unknown, you may need a legal professional who knows how to manage this type of case. Your peace of mind knowing that an experienced adoption attorney is crossing every “T” and dotting every “I” will likely save you lots of stress and anxiety so your energy can be better spent focusing on your family and creating memories with your stepchild.
Attorney Tammi Driver is personable, friendly, attentive to detail, and board certified in the field of adoption law in the State of Florida. She would welcome an opportunity to help you and your family with a stepparent adoption. Call 727-800-6681 today for a complimentary consultation or to get the process started.