Orlando Step-Parent Adoption Attorney
Compassionate Orlando Family Lawyers Representing Step-Parents in All Aspects of the Adoption Process
According to the latest data from by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), approximately 135,000 children are adopted each year. A significant portion of these children are adopted by their step-parents. For step-parents, adoption of a stepchild grants them access to the full legal rights bestowed to any other parent.
At Greater Orlando Family Law, our top-rated Orlando step-parent adoption attorneys are committed advocates for parents. Our knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys are here to answer your questions so that you can move forward with your case. If you are a step-parent who is considering adopting your stepchild, we can help. Please contact our law office for a free, no obligation consultation.
The Big Question: Am I Eligible to Adopt My Stepchild?
To adopt a stepchild, a parent must meet Florida’s basic eligibility requirements. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 63.042), prospective adoptive parents — including step-parents — must be able to prove that they are capable of providing safe, effective care for a child. While most parents can meet these eligibility requirements, there are some factors that could make a step-parent ineligible, such as severe disability, a serious criminal record, or a history of child abuse or neglect.
What Step-Parents Need to Know About Filing an Adoption Petition
To initiate the adoption process, a step-parent must file an official petition in the appropriate Florida court. Adoption cases are generally handled at the county level. It is strongly recommended that step-parents prepare their petition with guidance from an experienced Orlando adoption lawyer. Your lawyer will make sure that all of the adoption paperwork is completed properly.
Step-parent adoption cases generally fit into one of two categories: consented adoptions and non-consented adoptions. If you are a step-parent and you have active consent from both of the child’s parents, the adoption process will be far easier. When possible, our legal team will always try to help you get consent for the adoption. Obviously, in most step-parent adoption cases, getting consent from one parent is easy. It is the other parent that can pose more of a challenge.
If the other parent refuses to give their consent, or if they cannot be located or they are no longer around, the step-parent will be required to prove that parent’s consent is not actually necessary. These types of cases are far more complicated. If you find yourself in this situation, it is imperative that you get help from an experienced Orlando step-parent adoption lawyer immediately.
Contact Our Central Florida Step-Parent Adoption Attorneys Today
At Greater Orlando Family Law, we are proud to offer clients the strength and support of a large family law firm. If you are a step-parent preparing to adopt your child, our legal team is standing by, ready to help guide you through the legal process.
For a free, strictly confidential review of your case, please do not hesitate to contact our legal team today. With an office in Orlando, we handle step-parent adoptions throughout Central Florida, including in Orange County, Lake County, Seminole County, and Osceola County.
